Japan Marine United (JMU) has signed a newbuilding contract for 81,000-dwt bulker series with Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skibsrederi.
The newly established joint venture shipyard between Japan's IHI Marine United and Universal Shipbuilding contracted for firm three bulkers with several options.
Brokers say newbuildings cost more than $30m per ship, with delivery for the first vessel slated for 2014.
It is said that the bulkers will be built to eco-friendly design.