Pressing on with fleet expansion, U-Ming books four new LNG-ready bulkers in China

On its fleet expansion quest, Taiwanese shipping company U-Ming Marine Transport has placed a new order for the construction of LNG-ready ultramax bulk carriers at New Dayang shipyard in China.

Under the contract, the Chinese shipyard will build four 64,000 dwt bulk carriers with LNG-ready notations.

The newbuilds worth $35 million are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.

U-Ming and New Dayang signed the shipbuilding contract bolstering their cooperation on October 14, the same day a naming and delivery ceremony was held for Asian Prosperity – the third 64,000 dwt energy-efficient bulk carrier built for U-Ming.

Asian Prosperity measures 199.90 meters in length and 32.26 meters in width and represents the first collaboration between New Dayang Shipyard and U-Ming.

According to U-Ming, this vessel aligns with the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental protection, with its Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) exceeding the Phase 3 energy-saving standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Additionally, U-Ming’s Fleet Safety Management (FSM) system is installed to allow operational and weather data to be transmitted back to the company’s shore-based system for analysis and monitoring, enhancing vessel energy efficiency, reducing failure rates, and improving operational efficiency.

Furthermore, the vessel has received the LNG-ready classification from ABS, indicating its potential for future conversion to using LNG as fuel.

U-Ming currently operates a fleet of 71 vessels, including joint ventures and ships under construction, with a total fleet capacity reaching 8.77 million dwt. With the addition of the newly contracted four bulk carriers, the fleet will grow to 75 vessels, with a total capacity of 9.02 million dwt.