Shipowner Wisdom Marine, based in Taiwan, China, contracted Japanese yard Onomichi Dockyard Co, Ltd. to build a 37,000dwt bulker worth US$22m, according to a domestic news report.

The Taiwanese owner placed newbuilding orders in some Japanese shipbuilders last year to expand its fleet size, which included Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Japan Marine United Corporation, the report added, citing an unidentified source.

Onomichi Dockyard is mainly engaged in the construction of bulkers, product tankers, ferries, and ro-ro ships.