Greek Shipowner Conbulk Orders Two 5,000 TEU Container Ships From Chinese Yard

In a move that reflects the growing global confidence in Chinese shipbuilding, Greek shipping company Conbulk, owned by Dimitris Dalakouras, has confirmed new ship orders from Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding. This follows a series of major European shipping companies finalizing similar agreements with Chinese yards, signaling China’s strengthening dominance in the global shipbuilding market.

Conbulk’s Expansion and Partnership with Chinese Shipyard

Greek media reports highlight that Conbulk has secured construction slots for two 5,000 TEU container vessels at Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding, with deliveries expected to begin by end of 2027. The company, which currently manages 34 vessels, has been actively expanding through both newbuild orders and secondhand acquisitions.

One of its recent purchases, the 3,500 TEU ship “Adelie P”, joined the fleet in the summer of 2025. This new collaboration with Guoyu Shipbuilding marks Conbulk’s entry into a fresh phase of modernization and capacity growth, ensuring it remains competitive in the evolving shipping landscape.

Revival of Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding and China’s Growing Market Share

Following a bankruptcy restructuring completed in July 2024 by DCL Investments, Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding has made a strong comeback. The shipyard’s order backlog now exceeds 700,000 compensated gross tons (CGT), supported by both domestic and international clients.

According to MB Shipbrokers, demand for 1,800–6,000 TEU container vessels remains high, and most of these projects are being placed in Chinese shipyards. Leading global companies like Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have also turned to China for constructing new fleets, indicating China’s rise as the preferred hub for shipbuilding in multiple capacity segments.

Conbulk’s latest order with Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding reinforces China’s pivotal role in the global shipbuilding industry. The partnership signifies not only Conbulk’s strategic growth but also the increasing trust international shipowners are placing in Chinese yards for quality, efficiency, and timely delivery. With continuous investments and restructuring, Chinese shipyards are now leading the market, shaping the next wave of global maritime expansion.