Qingshan Shipyard has booked an order to build up to four handysize bulkers from Croatian owner.
Atlantska Plovidba said it has signed up for two firm 38,700 dwt bulkers with two options at the Chinese shipyard.
No price was revealed and the firm bulkers are to hit the water in March and October 2015.
The first optional bulker has to be exercised by the end of November and the second by the end of January, 2014.
The owner said the vessels will consume much less fuel than other bulkers of similar size with a new hull design.