Greek dry bulk heavyweight Star Bulk Carriers has confirmed agreements to acquire three kamsarmax vessels at Hengli Shipbuilding.
The Nasdaq-listed, Athens-based owner signed three novation and amendment agreements with Hengli Shipbuilding (Singapore) and Hengli Shipbuilding (Dalian) for 82,000 dwt vessels currently under construction. Deliveries are scheduled progressively in the third quarter of 2026.
Earlier this month, sources in Greece had linked Star Bulk to a larger deal for four firm and two optional scrubber-fitted units, with similar delivery timeframes. The company has not disclosed the price, but brokers estimate each vessel at $36–38 m, in line with recent deals by fellow Greek owner Efnav.
Star Bulk already has five kamsarmaxes on order at CMI Qingdao Shipyard for 2026 delivery. The company controls a fleet of over 140 bulkers but has been active on the selling side this year, offloading more than 10 supramaxes and two 2006-built kamsarmaxes as part of a wider fleet reshaping strategy.
Petros Pappas, CEO of Star Bulk, said the vessels were secured at “attractive prices”, adding that the acquisitions form part of the company’s ongoing strategy to renew and modernise its fleet on “an opportunistic basis, enhancing overall efficiency and long-term earnings potential.”
Greek owners have dominated the kamsarmax newbuilding market in 2025, with Hengli Shipbuilding emerging as a leading yard for fresh orders. Efnav, led by Filippos Efstathiou, recently signed for six vessels, following Thanasis Martinos’ Eastmed, which ordered four ships, while Dimitris Procopiou-led Centrofin Management has expanded its Hengli orderbook to eight vessels.