Kumiai Navigation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese independent shipowner Kumiai Senpaku Co., Ltd., has restarted its large bulk carrier construction project after an eight-year hiatus.
According to TradeWinds, shipbuilding sources revealed that Kumiai Navigation will sign a contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan to build two 210,000 DWT Newcastlemax bulk carriers, which are expected to be delivered in 2029.
If confirmed, this order would mark the first time in eight years that shipowner Kumiai Navigation has resumed large bulk carrier construction projects, and it would also be the second shipbuilding contract announced by Kawasaki Heavy Industries since 2026.
On January 6, Kawasaki Heavy Industries announced the signing of a contract with Japan Hydrogen Corporation for the construction of a 40,000 m³-class liquefied hydrogen carrier. This marks the largest liquefied hydrogen carrier for which a firm shipbuilding order has been placed globally.
The vessel measures approximately 250 meters in length, 35 meters in beam, and 20 meters in depth. It will have a summer full load draft of 8.5 meters, a cargo capacity of about 40,000 cubic meters, and a service speed of approximately 18 knots. Classed by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK), it will fly the Japanese flag.
According to its official website, Kumiai Navigation was established in 1995 and is registered in Singapore. The company was founded to enhance Kumiai Senpaku’s international competitiveness and expand its operations from domestic shipping in Japan to international shipping in line with the globalization of the shipping industry. It currently operates a fleet of 19 vessels.