- Kuang Ming Shipping has ordered four supramax bulk carriers at Japanese yards
- Total deal value is NT$4.9bn–NT$5.4bn ($150m–$165m)
- Orders reflect long-term confidence in dry bulk demand and fleet renewal.
Taiwanese carrier Yang Ming’s bulk shipping arm, Kuang Ming Shipping, has placed orders for four supramax bulk carriers at Japanese shipyards. The contracts are valued between NT$4.9bn and NT$5.4bn, according to a filing to the exchange. Delivery dates have not been disclosed.
Shipyards and Fleet Context
The order includes two vessels from Nihon Shipyard and Imabari Shipbuilding, and two more from Oshima Shipbuilding and Sumisho Marine, each priced at around NT$1.2bn–NT$1.4bn per ship. Kuang Ming currently operates six panamaxes and four supramaxes, along with a long-term chartered capesize, with a focus on fuel-efficient tonnage.
Market View and Strategy
The newbuilds support Kuang Ming’s strategy to modernise its fleet, improve fuel efficiency, and align with IMO decarbonisation rules. Yang Ming said recent shipping volumes were lifted by pre-Lunar New Year stocking, creating a short seasonal peak. While full-year demand remains uncertain, the company is cautiously optimistic about dry bulk market conditions heading into early 2026.
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Source – Lloyd’s List
