Danish shipping company Norden has acquired two Newastlemax bulk carriers from Singapore-based diversified shipping company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), led by Idan Ofer, to further expand its dry bulk fleet.
Shipbrokers are reporting that Norden has acquired two Newastlemax bulk carriers, the Trust Qingdao and the Trust Shanghai, built in 2021 and equipped with scrubbers, from EPS for approximately $146 million.
In March, Norden had acquired two bulk carriers to be completed and delivered in 2021 by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS). The deal with EPS is Norden’s second acquisition in the bulk carrier sector this year.
Demand for Newastlemax bulk carriers has been strong so far this year, with 22 units sold so far, almost double compared to the same period in 2023.
Since March last year, Norden has been busy increasing the number of large bulk carriers. To date, Norden has purchased five bulk carriers, one of which was recently sold at a profit.