Fujian Highton Development has placed orders for two more 62,000 dwt multipurpose heavylift vessels at Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding, increasing its newbuilding series at the yard to nine ships.
The contracts were signed by wholly owned Haitong International Shipping. Investment in the latest pair is capped at RMB600 million ($89 million) before tax, with the vessels to be financed through internal funds and external financing.
The latest order follows earlier contracts for seven sister ships at the same yard. Three vessels were ordered in January for up to RMB900 million, followed by four more in April for as much as RMB1.2 billion.
With the two additional ships, Fujian Highton Development‘s maximum commitment to the nine-vessel programme has reached RMB2.7 billion.
Delivery dates for the latest two vessels have not been specified. Under the contracts, Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding must deliver each ship within 12 months of steel cutting, subject to permitted delays.
The orders are part of Fujian Highton Development‘s expansion into multipurpose and heavy-lift shipping. By April, the Shanghai-listed owner had increased the series to seven vessels as it worked towards building a 100-ship fleet.
Dry bulk remains the main part of the company’s business. Its controlled fleet earlier this year stood at more than 5 million dwt.
