The contract—whose financial terms and scheduled delivery dates remain commercially confidential—marks Akij’s strategic expansion into owned tonnage and reflects its growing commitment to vertical integration within the dry bulk supply chain.  

This order further strengthens Nantong Xiangyu’s expanding ultramax orderbook, which now includes multiple international clients. The yard confirmed that this agreement constitutes its second publicly announced newbuilding contract in June 2024, following an earlier order from Fujian Shipping Group for four 62,000 dwt multipurpose vessels.  

Nantong Xiangyu has maintained robust activity across dry bulk and multipurpose vessel segments this year. In addition to the above contracts, the yard has been reported to have secured orders from Shanghai Time Shipping and Mercuria Energy Group. Earlier in 2024, Seacon Shipping had acquired six resale contracts for 63,800 dwt ultramax vessels under construction at the same facility.  

Akij Shipping Line—established in 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Akij Resource Limited—is one of Bangladesh’s most active privately owned dry bulk operators. According to company disclosures, its current fleet comprises ten ocean-going bulk carriers and fifty lighter vessels, with a focus on single-deck bulkers ranging from 45,000 to 76,000 dwt.  

Originally developed to support logistics for Akij Cement, Akij Shipping Line has since diversified into broader dry bulk trades, including clinker, limestone, slag, thermal and metallurgical coal, fertilizers, grain, gypsum, and construction aggregates—serving both domestic and regional markets. 

Reource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/2ZQ0l83m6U1fgWL0OTAEHg