According to TradeWinds, Greek dry bulk shipping giant Star Bulk Carriers, the US-listed, Athens- major shipowner with 150 ships in operation or under construction, confirmed it has re-launched its newbuilding program in China, signing three deals to order three Karmax vessels (82,000 dwt) at Hengli Shipbuilding.

"These vessels have been acquired at an attractive price and are scheduled for in the third quarter of 2026," CEO Petros Pappas said during the company's earnings release on Tuesday evening.

Earlier this month Greek sources had linked Star Bulk with an even larger deal involving four firm orders and two options with scrubbers, on a similar delivery timeline. The company has not disclosed the price brokers estimate it to be in the region of $36 million to $38 million per vessel, in line with a recent deal by fellow Greek shipowner Efnav.

Star Bulk had previously ordered five Kamsarmax vessels at Qingdao for delivery in 2026. The company has been very active in the sale ships this year, selling more than 10 supramax bulkers and two Kamsarmax vessels built in 2006 as part of its wider fleetaping strategy.

Pappas said the vessels have been ordered at "an attractive price" and added that the acquisition is part of the company's ongoing strategy, which to "continuously update and modernize the fleet, enhancing overall efficiency and strengthening long-term profitability potential".

Greek shipowners dominated the Kamsarmax new market in 2025, with Hengli becoming the main yard for new orders. Following a recent order for six vessels by Filippos Efstathiouled Efnav, Thanasis Martinos-owned Eastmed ordered four vessels, while Dimitris Procopiou-led Centrofin Management increased its orderbook at Hli to eight vessels.