Japanese shipyards have contracted new panamax bulkers in a row. Their strategies to differentiate themselves with fuel efficiency seem to be well received by owners.
Sasebo Heavy Industries revealed that it booked orders for overall three 75,000-dwt eco-friendly bulkers from two overseas owners in February and April, 2012. 
Deliveries are slated for the second half of 2013, contracted dollar-denominated.
Sasebo contracted three 75,000-dwt bulkers in H2 last year, as well. Therefore, since June 2011 to date, in almost a year, it booked a total of six same-size bulkers.
The Japanese yard now covers orderbook until the end of 2013.
Although newbuilding price keeps decreasing this year, Sasebo seems to have decided to win orders in order to secure workds.
Sasebo followed after Universal Shipbuilding, Imabari Shipbuilding and Oshima Shipbuilding and disclosed its new order for panamax bulkers.