Recently, Greek shipowner Enesel Group placed an order with Hengli Group for two Capesize bulk carriers. This order marks Enesel’s official return to the dry bulk shipping market after withdrawing from the sector in recent years.
According to information on the group’s official website, the new vessel has a length of 291.95 meters, a beam of 45 meters, a speed of 14.5 knots, and a deadweight tonnage of 181,500 tons. Classed by Det Norske Veritas, the newbuildings are scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2027.
Last year, Enesel sold three Capesize vessels to Hayfin Capital and completely exited the dry bulk shipping market in order to streamline its asset portfolio and optimize its business structure. At the same time, the company continued to expand its presence in the tanker market, taking advantage of strong market conditions to sell several tankers at fixed prices, including Aframax/LR2 tankers and Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs).
It is reported that Enesel’s current fleet consists of 14 oil tankers and 11 container ships. This return to the dry bulk market represents a key follow-up step in the group’s fleet restructuring and reflects a reassessment of the future value of large bulk carriers.
Demand for large bulk carriers is rebounding rapidly in the current market. Since late 2025, Hengli Heavy Industries has secured consecutive orders for Cape-size bulk carriers from prominent shipowners such as Maran Dry and Capital Group. In recent months, orders for Capesize and Newcastle bulk carriers have surged significantly. This trend stems partly from positive long-term expectations for seaborne iron ore trade and partly from the prospect of tightening vessel supply.
Greek shipowners have been the driving force behind the current surge in bulk carrier orders: in the first quarter of 2026, of the nearly 30 new Capesize and Newcastle bulk carriers ordered globally, at least 12 were secured by Greek shipowners. Companies such as Seanergy Maritime, Danaos, Maran Dry, and Navios Maritime Partners have all been active in this sector.