Namura Shipbuilding has signed a newbuilding contract to build up to four 34,000-dwt bulkers with MUR Shipping Holdings.
The contract is said to have signed in 2012, which includes firm two and optional two newbuildings. Firm two bulkers are due delivery in 2014, while the owner is to exercise options in 2015.
The Japanese shipyard, currently in talks with several overseas shiphowners over newbuilding handysizes, etc., revealed that it is likely to secure slots up to the end of 2015.
Namura plans to build the latest contracted bulkers at Imari Shipyard & Works. The 34,000-dwt bulker is a new design, jointly developed with the group's Hakodate Dock, which enhances fuel efficiency and eco friendliness.
Meanwhile, this would be the first time for MUR Shipping to place an order at Namura, but it awarded some newbuildings at Japanese shipyards before.