Greek dry bulk carrier owner Almi Marine Management has returned to the newbuilding market after a four-year hiatus, having already ordered two new-generation Ultramax bulk carriers from a Chinese shipyard.
On February 14, Almi Marine Management announced that it had signed a contract with Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) to build two 64,000 DWT bulk carriers, with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2029. The order has been confirmed by the shipowner’s executives.
According to information disclosed by Almi Marine Management, the two new vessels will be the first deliveries of the next generation of this World Class Design featuring EEDI IV compliance when this becomes a Rule and the latest Everllence 10.7 Electronic Main Engine.
They will be the first to meet the requirements of the upcoming Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 4, equipped with the latest Everllence 10.7 electric main engines, have a 2×25-ton coil handling capacity, a cargo hold carbon dioxide fire suppression system, and have undergone a number of upgrades to improve efficiency and charterability.
Almi Marine Management has a long-standing cooperative relationship with NACKS and its sister shipyard Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co Ltd.(DACKS). Since placing an order in April 2022, the company has received three Ultramax bulk carriers from DACKS.
Almi Marine Management, established in 1992, currently operates a fleet of seven bulk carriers. This newbuilding project is part of the shipowner’s overall strategy to rejuvenate its aging fleet. S&P data shows that the shipowner has agreed to sell its oldest vessel, the Supramax bulk carrier “Anasa,” built in 2008.