Following the order of 6 bulk carriers of 2 types last year, Bulgarian shipowner Navibulgar has returned to its preferred Chinese shipyards to place new vessel orders.
Sources revealed that Navibulgar has placed an order with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for four 71,000 DWT bulk carriers equipped with cranes, each costing approximately $33 million. Three vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028, with the fourth to be delivered in 2029.
The latest shipbuilding contract marks the continuation of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding’s long-term partnership with Navibulgar, which began in 2017. The most recent order was placed in November 2024 and includes three 32,000 DWT bulk carriers and three 45,000 DWT bulk carriers.
Navibulgar, founded in 1892 and headquartered in Varna, is Bulgaria’s largest shipping company. It currently operates a diversified fleet of over 45 vessels active on routes across the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic.
Navibulgar is known for operating small handy and handy-size bulk carriers ranging from 22,000 to 48,000 DWT, primarily serving regional and coastal shipping markets. The 71,000 DWT bulk carrier ordered from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding will become the largest vessel in the company’s fleet.
It is also worth noting that on September 27, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding announced a batch of eight new vessel orders with delivery dates between 2027 and 2029, including four 71,000 DWT bulk carriers. At the time, the shipowner information was not disclosed. Based on the vessel specifications and delivery dates, it is speculated that the aforementioned four bulk carriers may be included in Yangzijiang Shipbuilding’s batch of eight new vessels.