Greek owner Goldenport Shipmanagement has reportedly doubled its ultramax newbuilding programme at China’s Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, adding two more vessels.

Broker database entries show the John Dragnis-led company behind two new 63,500 dwt hulls, both scheduled for delivery in 2029.

The latest ships follow a pair ordered in June at a reported price of around $35m each. Pricing for the additional units has not surfaced, but if they were priced at the same level, the four-ship programme would be worth about $140m.

The move comes as Goldenport continues to rebalance its fleet mix between newbuildings, secondhand acquisitions and exposure to multiple shipping segments, while keeping a clear presence in dry bulk. Ultramax units remain one of the most commonly ordered sizes in the sector because they offer flexibility across a range of cargoes and trading routes.

Goldenport is a repeat customer of the Chinese yard. In 2022, the owner booked five 63,500 dwt ultramaxes at Xiangyu, becoming the yard’s first Greek customer. Three of those vessels were delivered in 2023, with the remaining two following in 2024.

This year, the company has also added three 1,800 teu feeder containerships at China Merchants’ revived Qingshan Shipyard, with deliveries due through 2027 and 2028. The feeder programme is estimated to be worth between $93m and $99m.

Goldenport currently lists 31 vessels under management, including 25 bulk carriers and six containerships. The owner also doubled its capesize exposure last year with the acquisition of the 2012-built, 176,357 dwt Despotiko.