On August 6, Singapore-based Uni-Asia Group signed a contract with Nihon Shipyard for the construction of a 40,000-dwt bulk carrier; the vessel is scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter of 2029 and the first half of 2030 and will be built by Imabari Shipbuilding.
As part of its fleet renewal strategy, the Uni-Asia placed an order with Nihon Shipyard in March 2026 for a 40,000 DWT bulk carrier—marking the group’s first shipbuilding order in over a decade—with delivery of the new vessel expected in the second half of 2028.
Uni-Asia did not disclose the cost of the latest orders, stating only that the purchase price was determined through arm’s-length negotiations and is in line with current market prices for similar vessel types.
Uni-Asia stated that the new vessels will be equipped with engines designed for improved fuel efficiency and feature a “dual-fuel ready” design, allowing for future conversion to dual-fuel propulsion and alternative fuel systems as required. The design aims to meet evolving international environmental regulations while upgrading the technical specifications of the company’s existing fleet.
Nihon Shipyard was established in 2021 as a joint venture between Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United (JMU). In January 2026, Imabari Shipbuilding incorporated Japan Shipbuilding United into the subsidiary system through equity acquisition.