Greek Shipowners Return to Bulk Carrier Shipbuilding | Mariner News

Greek shipowners are making a dynamic return to bulk carrier shipbuilding, spearheaded by prominent groups like that of George and Panagiotis Angelopoulos. Their company, Aegean Bulk, has finalized a significant agreement with China’s Hengli Shipbuilding for four new Kamsarmax bulk carriers, marking their re-entry into this segment after over a decade. This strategic move highlights renewed investment in the dry cargo sector, reinforcing Greece’s powerful presence in global shipping.

Strategic Fleet Expansion & Newbuilds

The Angelopoulos group’s comprehensive fleet renewal program extends beyond bulk carriers. While Aegean Bulk focuses on its new Kamsarmax vessels, their sister company, Arcadia Shipmanagement, which manages their tanker fleet, has seven tankers currently under construction. These projects are spread across leading shipyards: three at Hyundai shipyards in South Korea and four at DSIC shipyards in China. Deliveries for these advanced tankers are scheduled through 2026 and 2027, showcasing a robust commitment to modernizing their maritime portfolio.

Resurgent Demand for Dry Cargo Vessels

This wave of new bulk carrier orders from Greek shipowners follows a quiet period in newbuild contracts. The availability of slots at Hengli Shipbuilding, extending opportunities until 2028, has proven crucial for many shipping companies seeking to expand. With most shipyards fully booked, securing these deals underscores the strong demand for modern dry cargo vessels. This renewed activity signals a positive outlook for the bulk shipping market, driven by the need for efficient and updated fleets.