Star Bulk Carriers, a major US-listed owner of dry bulkers, has agreed to acquire three kamsarmax newbuilding resales under construction at a leading Chinese yard.
“The vessels were secured at attractive prices and deliveries scheduled for Q3 2026. These acquisitions form part of our ongoing strategy to renew and modernize our fleet on an opportunistic basis, enhancing both our overall efficiency and long-term earnings potential,” chief executive officer Petros Pappas said in the company’s earnings release on Tuesday.
The Greek shipowner entered in October into three novation and amendment agreements with Hengli Shipbuilding (Singapore) and Hengli Shipbuilding (Dalian) for the acquisition of three 82,000-dwt kamsarmax newbuilding vessels, currently under construction.
The delivery of these vessels is scheduled progressively within the third quarter of 2026.
Star Bulk Carriers, a Nasdaq-listed owner, said the dry bulk market has been impacted by geopolitical tensions, including the U.S. and Chinese port fee measures and the postponement of the decision on the IMO net Zero Framework.
“Despite these near-term uncertainties, we believe the medium-term fundamentals are robust. Renewal needs are increasing due to a rapidly aging fleet and fleet growth will remain restricted. Well-capitalized owners like Star Bulk are ideally placed to act and create lasting shareholder value should opportunities arise,” noted the chief of Star Bulk.
The company’s fleet portfolio consists of 145 vessels in the water or under construction: 17 newcastlemax, 15 capesize, 1 mini capesize, 7 post panamax, 45 kamsarmax, 1 panamax, 48 ultramax and 11 supramax vessels with carrying capacities between 55,569-dwt and 209,537-dwt.
In the third quarter of 2025, the company delivered to their new owners the vessels Star Nighthawk, Star Danai and Star Goal, while the bulkers Star Runner and Star Sandpiper were delivered in October.
