Taiwan’s Shih Wei Navigation has ended a decade-long order drought by inking a contract for two bulk carrier newbuildings at a Japanese shipyard, according to Trade Winds.
The Taipei-listed bulker company has struck a deal with Oshima Shipbuilding for two 64,000-dwt ultramax bulkers in a move worth $78m.
A company spokesperson confirmed the order, saying the new ships formed part of Shih Wei’s fleet expansion programme.
Previously, the last time Shih Wei Navigation ordered a new ship was in 2014. At that time, Japan’s Onomichi Shipbuilding was commissioned to build a 60,200 dwt bulk carrier, Amis Benefit (2018 build).
A few years ago, the bulker company sold a bulk carrier to Japan’s Kasuga Shipping, currently named Koushun.
With this latest order, Shih Wei Navigation doubles its fleet of ultramax bulk carriers to four units for delivery in 2026.