China's Chengxi Shipyard is close to finalize a deal for up to 10 handysize bulkers and now going through final negotiation with China Navigation Co (CNCo) of Hong Kong. 
Market players say the order initially involves four 39,000-dwt vessels for delivery from the end of 2013. Options are included in batches of four and two.
The eco friendly ships, having reduced fuel consumption to 18 tonnes per day without sacrificing an operating speed of 14 knots, have been designed by Deltamarin of Finland and will cost around $23m each, sources said.
It seems that the shipping arm of John Swire & Sons has made the order as part of a fleet renewal after ditching older tonnage, with an investment in up to 10 super-efficient handysize newbuildings valued at $230m.
Meanwhile, in December 2010, the Singapore-based CNCo splashed out a total of $300m on eight MPP newbuildings at China’s Zhejiang Ouhua Shipbuilding for delivery between January and August 2013. The contract included options for up to eight more vessels that it did not exercise.