23-January-2015
Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard has completed the delivery of two 64,000 DWT ultramax bulk carriers—MV Komi and MV Darya Tiana—to their respective new owners, London-based shipowner and operator Lomar Shipping, a subsidiary of the Libra Group, and Hong Kong and India-based shipowner and operator KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. The successful handovers further highlight Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard’s expanding influence in the construction of high-specification, eco-type bulk carriers designed for maximum fuel efficiency and environmental performance. The ultramax bulk carrier MV Komi was delivered to Lomar Shipping, a London-based shipowner under Greece’s Libra Group, which had originally placed an order for eight ultramax bulk carriers at Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard in February 2012. Most of these ships are expected to be delivered within the same year, with one final delivery scheduled for 2016. The eco-friendly design of the ultramax bulk carrier MV Komi was developed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), reflecting Lomar Shipping’s ongoing strategy to expand its modern and environmentally compliant fleet. The second ultramax bulk carrier, MV Darya Tiana, was delivered to Hong Kong and India-based shipowner and operator KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd., marking another important milestone in the shipowner’s fleet development program. Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard is building three additional ultramax bulk carriers for KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd., with deliveries expected between 2016 and 2017. In parallel, Cosco (Dalian) Shipyard is constructing two 82,000 DWT panamax bulk carriers for KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd., while Huangpu Shipbuilding is developing a further four 64,000 DWT ultramax bulk carriers, confirming the shipowner’s long-term cooperation with Chinese state-owned shipyards and its continuing expansion across multiple bulk carrier classes. Founded in 1999 as part of the Chellaram Group’s expansion into dry bulk shipping, KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. stands as one of the most established privately owned shipowners in Asia, with operational roots stretching back through nearly a century of maritime tradition. The Chellaram family first entered shipping in the early 20th century, and KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. represents the modern continuation of that legacy—combining the family’s deep industry heritage with forward-looking business practices and technical expertise. Headquartered in Hong Kong and supported by a major operational base in India, KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. bridges the global commercial hub of Hong Kong with India’s renowned maritime and technical manpower. The shipowner operates a diversified fleet of kamsarmax, panamax, and ultramax bulk carriers, along with a number of specialized cement carriers, serving leading charterers involved in the trade of coal, fertilizers, grain, iron ore, and cement across the world’s principal maritime routes. KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. has earned a strong reputation for safety, operational reliability, and adherence to international quality standards. The shipowner maintains close partnerships with reputable ship managers and classification societies, ensuring that all ships under its control are maintained to the highest technical and safety benchmarks. Under the leadership of Gautam Chellaram, KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. has implemented a disciplined asset management approach, focusing on long-term growth, sustainable operations, and the progressive renewal of its fleet. The shipowner’s ongoing fleet modernization program places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly designs, optimized hull forms, and energy-efficient propulsion systems, in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization goals. KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. also prioritizes human capital, with a focus on crew welfare, training, and professional development, supported by its India-based crewing operations. The delivery of MV Darya Tiana and the upcoming newbuildings from Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard and other Chinese yards represent a major step forward in KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd.’s long-term fleet growth strategy. These ships will further enhance its position in the global ultramax and panamax bulk carrier markets, offering flexible, fuel-efficient, and environmentally compliant tonnage to international charterers. Over more than two decades, KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. has established itself as a trusted partner for global trade and transport, combining the Chellaram Group’s family heritage of reliability and ethical business with modern management systems and technological innovation. With its active newbuilding program, continued focus on sustainability, and expanding presence across Asia and beyond, KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. remains one of the most respected and forward-looking privately owned shipowners operating between Hong Kong and India.
23-January-2015
Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard has delivered two 64,000 DWT ultramax bulk carriers, MV Komi and MV Darya Tiana, to their respective buyers—London-based shipowner and operator Lomar Shipping, a subsidiary of the Libra Group, and Hong Kong and India-based shipowner and operator KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. The milestone deliveries reinforce Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard’s position as a leading builder of technologically advanced, eco-type ultramax bulk carriers optimized for energy efficiency and global trade performance. The ultramax bulk carrier MV Komi was handed over to London-based shipowner and operator Lomar Shipping, which forms part of Greece’s Libra Group, a diversified international business group with interests spanning aviation, energy, real estate, hospitality, and maritime transportation. The ultramax bulk carrier MV Komi, ordered in February 2012, is one of eight ultramax bulk carriers that Lomar Shipping commissioned from Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard as part of its extensive newbuilding program aimed at renewing and expanding its dry bulk fleet. Most of these ships are scheduled for delivery within the same year, with the final vessel due in 2016. The eco-type ultramax bulk carrier MV Komi was designed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) and features an advanced hull form and energy-efficient propulsion system to enhance performance while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. Lomar Shipping’s continued investment in ultramax bulk carriers aligns with its broader fleet modernization strategy, which has seen the shipowner actively acquire and renew ships across multiple sectors, including dry bulk, containerships, and chemical and product tankers. Lomar Shipping, headquartered in London, is a key maritime division within the Libra Group and operates a diverse and modern fleet of more than 70 ships. The shipowner’s fleet includes ultramax and panamax bulk carriers, feeder containerships, and various tanker types, providing transportation services for global charterers across major trade routes. Over its five-decade history, Lomar Shipping has established itself as one of the most respected independent shipowners in the United Kingdom, combining traditional Greek maritime heritage with innovative fleet management and global reach. With offices in London, Bremen, and Singapore, Lomar Shipping integrates commercial expertise, technical management, and strategic asset trading to maintain one of the most dynamic portfolios in the international shipping industry. Lomar Shipping’s parent organization, the Libra Group, provides strong financial backing and operational flexibility, allowing Lomar Shipping to pursue long-term investments in newbuilding and secondhand tonnage. The delivery of MV Komi marks another significant milestone in Lomar Shipping’s partnership with Chinese shipyards, reflecting the shipowner’s trust in China’s expanding shipbuilding capabilities and its focus on constructing high-performance, environmentally compliant vessels for the future. The second ultramax bulk carrier, MV Darya Tiana, was delivered to Hong Kong and India-based shipowner and operator KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd., another established name in global dry bulk shipping. Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard continues to build three additional ultramax bulk carriers for KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd., scheduled for delivery between 2016 and 2017. In parallel, Cosco Dalian Shipyard is constructing two 82,000 DWT panamax bulk carriers for KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd., while Huangpu Shipbuilding is developing another four 64,000 DWT ultramax bulk carriers. These projects highlight KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd.’s ongoing commitment to fleet renewal and investment in modern, eco-efficient ships. Founded in 1999 as part of the Chellaram Group’s diversification into the dry bulk shipping market, KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. operates a mixed fleet of kamsarmax, panamax, and ultramax bulk carriers, as well as cement carriers, serving charterers in global trade involving coal, iron ore, fertilizers, grain, and other bulk commodities. The shipowner maintains headquarters in Hong Kong with a major operational and crewing base in India, combining financial and commercial expertise with technical and manpower excellence. Under the leadership of Gautam Chellaram, KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. upholds high standards of safety, sustainability, and operational integrity, while continuing to strengthen its long-term relationships with charterers, banks, and ship managers worldwide. Cosco (Zhoushan) Shipyard, part of the Cosco Shipyard Group and 51% owned by Singapore-listed Cosco Corp, remains a key partner for both Lomar Shipping and KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd., delivering a growing number of advanced, eco-type ultramax bulk carriers. The dual deliveries of MV Komi and MV Darya Tiana underscore the enduring confidence that internationally recognized shipowners such as Lomar Shipping and KC Maritime Hong Kong Ltd. place in Chinese shipyards, as they continue to expand and modernize their fleets for the next generation of maritime trade.
11-January-2015
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has entered into shipbuilding agreements with Polish state-owned bulker giant Polish Steamship Polsteam) for the construction of four (4) 36K DWT (deadweight ton) handysize lake-fitted bulk carriers specifically designed for Great Lakes navigation. Additionally, there are options for two (2) more handysize lake-fitted bulk carriers included in the contract. The total value of this order amounts to approximately $438 million, marking Yangzijiang Shipbuilding’s first-ever order for lake-fitted bulk carriers. 36K DWT (deadweight ton) handysize lake-fitted bulk carriers will be constructed at Yangzijiang’s Changbo Shipyard, with the first four (4) 36K DWT (deadweight ton) handysize lake-fitted bulk carriersexpected to be delivered in 2017. Polish state-owned bulker giant Polish Steamship Polsteam already has twelve (12) other bulk carriers under construction at Yangfan Shipyard, with delivery scheduled for 2016 and 2017.