Tokyo-headquartered Lepta Shipping has ordered two kamsarmax bulk carriers at Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding (YAMIC).

Newbuilding sources report the joint venture between Nissen Kaiun and Mitsui & Co has tapped the joint venture between China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and Japan’s Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&S) to deliver the 82，500 dwt scrubber-fitted duo in 2028.

Lepta has previously signed for boxships， cape and kamsarmax bulkers， LPG carriers， and MR tankers at Yangzijiang Group and is currently listed with more than 40 ships on order.

In 2023， the company booked up to 12 kamsarmaxes at the Yangzijiang-controlled tie-up with Mitsui E&S at $37m apiece， with deliveries starting in 2026.

Mitsui E&S was earlier this year taken over by another Japanese shipbuilder， Tsuneishi， which also has a yard in Zhoushan and which Yangzijiang， China’s largest privately owned shipyard， bought into last year.