According to Clarkson's data, Handymax bulk carriers are those with a deadweight of 45,000-69,999 DWT (including those built before 2014 with 40,000-44,999 DWT). Within this category, Supramax ships are 50,000-59,999 DWT, and Ultramax ships are 60,000-69,999 DWT. Currently, Clarksons records 421 Handymax bulk carrier orders, with 398 being Ultramax vessels, highlighting their popularity.

 

In 2023, 292 Ultramax orders have been placed, with 89 orders since January 1st. Key players like Jinhui Shipping, Qingdao Agricore, Huaxia Financial Leasing, Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Limited , and Xiamen Financial Leasing (for COSCO Shipping Bulk) are among the major buyers this year.

 

Clarkson's data also shows that New Dayang Shipbuilding holds the most Ultramax orders, followed by Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding and New Hantong Shipyard.

A Major Deal Highlight! 

Recently, Jiangsu Soho Holdings Group, through its Yangzhou Shun Tian Shipyard, signed contracts for 10 63,500 DWT bulk carriers with Greek shipping magnate George Procopiou's Sea Traders, China Development Bank Leasing, Jiangsu Ocean Shipping, and other domestic and international shipowners. The deal is worth nearly $320 million.