CHINA-backed Worlder Shipping is rounding off an estimated US$100 million order for four small to medium-sized bulkers in its first bulker newbuilding deal.
The Hong Kong-based line is expected to purchase two bulk carriers of 45,000 deadweight tonnes (dwt) and another two of 28,000 dwt, and has placed tenders with Asian yards for delivery of the vessels in 1996.
Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese shipyards are understood to have submitted tenders for the order.
Worlder executives 's general manager Xiang Yuxiang could not be contacted for comment. However, market sources suggest that it is planning to place the orders with shipyards next month and that the group wants US-dollar quotes for the vessels.
The vessels are expected to be put into service along the China coast, where they are small enough to capitalise on the bulk cargoes in shallow-berth ports.
Although Worlder has negotiated newbuilding deals for container ships, this is its first for bulkers.