It's been a slightly more subdued week in the newbuilding market during the past few days, with lower levels of activity than the one seen over the past few weeks, according to shipbroker Clarkson Hellas. In its latest report it said that still, reported orders have very much been focused on the same sectors that have seen notable levels of ordering so far this year, namely the Ultramax sector in dry and MR product tankers in wet. "As we move closer towards the second half of 2013 it will be particularly interesting to see whether demand for newbuildings continues to maintain the pace set over the past six months.
In the container market, it is understood that Asiatic Lloyd Shipping have taken over and declared the third and fourth optional vessels in a series of 8,800 TEU container carriers at Hyundai Samho, the original vessels having been ordered by Clients of International Maritime Enterprises. Delivery of both declared options is due for 2015.
In other sectors, JMU have taken an order for two firm 12,000 DWT general cargo steel carriers from China Steel Express Corp., with both vessels for delivery in 2015 and believed to be priced at USD 13.65 Mill each. Finally, Jahre Marine have placed an order for one firm plus one option 6,200 CBM LNG bunkering vessels at AVIC Dingheng. Pricing per vessels is in the region USD 35 Mill with delivery in 2015", Clarkson Hellas said.
In a separate report, Piraeus-based shipbroker Golden Destiny stated that in the newbuilding market, investors’ appetite eased but remains high with strong business for bulk carriers. "Ordering activity in the tanker and container segments recorded declines from previous week, 33% and 82% respectively, in contrast with 33% and 50% weekly increase in the volume of new orders for bulk carriers and special projects. In the bulk carrier segment, 16 new orders reported, 2 for capesizes, 4 for kamsarmaxes, 10 for ultramaxes and 2 small handysize steel carriers. Chinese yards won 10 of 16 new orders and Japanese 4 new orders. South Korean yards made strong their presence this week in the construction of more specialized vessels by winning a LNG floating storage regasification unit, 2 post panamax boxships, a drillship and FPSO vessel", Golden Destiny said.
According to the report, "overall, the week closed with 33 fresh orders reported worldwide at a total deadweight of 1,834,400 tons, posting 55% week-on-week decline from previous week, with bulk carriers holding 49% share of the total volume of new orders, tankers 12%, containers 12% and special projects 18%. This week’s total newbuilding business is down 5.7% from similar week’s closing in 2012, when 35 fresh orders had been reported, 3 bulkers, 5 containers, 5 liners, 4 passenger/cruises and 18 special projects. In terms of invested capital, the total amount of money invested is estimated in region of more than $4,4 bn with 18 newbuilding contracts reported at an undisclosed contract price. A hefty amount of money is invested in the offshore segment with an invested capital of more than $3,55bn for 6 new orders due to the construction of a high valued FPSO for about $3bn. Gas tankers follow with an invested capital of about $335mil for 2 new orders with the construction of a LNG floating storage regasification unit for about $300mil", the shipbroker said.
It added that "in the bulk carrier segment, Taiwan’s China Steel Express its subsidiary CSE Transport placed orders for two 209,000dwt capesizes and two 12,000dwt steel carriers at Japan Marine United. The newbuilding cost will be $55,5mil for each capesize and $13,65mil for each steel carrier with delivery from the second half of 2015. In the kamsarmax segment, Global Marine Investment of Greece ordered two 82,000dwt vessels at Jiangsu New Yangzijiang Shipyard of China for about $27mil each with delivery in 2015, including an option for two more. In addition, Wisdom Marine Lines of Taiwan ordered two 81,6000dwt bulkers at Tsuneishi Zhoushan for about $27,75mil each with delivery in 2015. In the ultramax segment, Chinese Baoyuan International ordered two eco-friendly 64,000dwt bulkers at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard with delivery in 2015-2016. Furthermore, Chinese Wah Kwong Maritime Transport ordered four eco-friendly 64,000dwt bulkers at the same yard with delivery in 2015. In last, Italian shipowner Coeclerici and d'Amico Società di  Navigazione have formed a joint venture, DACC Maritime, registered in Dublin, which has ordered two 60,000dwt vessels from Japanese shipbuilder Oshima with delivery in the second half of 2015. The order includes two options declarable by next September and delivery scheduled for 2016.
In the tanker segment, Alterna Capital Partners of USA ordered four 50,000dwt vessels at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard of South Korea for an undisclosed contract price", it concluded.