What’s shaping the dry-cargo space this week? Here’s your essential vessel briefing:
⚓ 1. Imabari Delivers Giant Capesize Bulker Cape Wisteria
Japanese shipbuilder Imabari has handed over the Cape Wisteria, a massive 182,028 DWT Capesize bulk carrier, from its Saijo yard on 17 June.
- Specs: 292 m long, 45 m beam, flagged in Panama.
- Capability: Designed for high-density cargoes like iron ore, and sized to fit Dunkirk’s largest berths .
🚗 2. Höegh Autoliners Names Dual-Fuel Car Carrier Höegh Sunrise
In Shizuoka, Japan, Höegh Autoliners christened the fifth ship in its PCTC fleet, Höegh Sunrise, joining a 12-strong series following launches like Aurora and Borealis in 2024
🚛 3. Anhui Port & Shipping Group’s PCTC AICC Kunpeng Sets Sail
China’s Anhui Port & Shipping officially commissioned AICC Kunpeng on 19 June. The PCTC left Shanghai immediately for Europe, carrying its first batch of vehicles
🛳️ 4. Briese Group Launches 11,000 DWT Multipurpose Carrier
From Taizhou Sanfu Heavy Industry, a new triple-deck cargo vessel for Germany’s Briese Group has floated out. The ship will enter service with BBC Chartering under a long-term T/C
🌱 5. COSCO & CITIC Order 30 Grain Carriers in China
COSCO Shipping Bulk Lines and CITIC Financial Leasing have contracted Fujian Shipbuilding for 30 multi-purpose grain carriers, reinforcing China’s bulk logistics capability
🔍 Quick Facts Table
| Vessel | Type | Origin/Shipyard | Recipient/Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Wisteria | Capesize bulker | Imabari, Japan | Panama-flagged bulk trade |
| Höegh Sunrise | Dual-fuel PCTC | Japan | Höegh Autoliners |
| AICC Kunpeng | PCTC | China | Anhui Port & Shipping |
| Briese Multipurpose | Multi-purpose | Taizhou Sanfu, China | Briese Group/BBC Chartering |
| 30 Grain Carriers | Bulk carriers | Fujian Shipbuilding | COSCO/CITIC |
🤔 Why This Matters
- Fleet Modernisation: New dual-fuel and multipurpose vessels—like Höegh Sunrise and Briese’s cargo ship—show a shift to flexibility and cleaner energy.
- China’s Maritime Growth: AICC Kunpeng and COSCO’s grain fleet reflect China’s ongoing investment in shipping infrastructure and logistics.
- Bulk Market Strength: With the Panamax/Capesize additions like Cape Wisteria, global dry-bulk capacity continues to expand.
“A mix of next-gen fuel efficiency, multipurpose vessels, and fleet upgrades is reshaping this sector at pace.”
— Weekly roundup, Baird Maritime
Industry pros—whether shippers, shipowners, or financiers—stay tuned. These vessel developments signal evolving markets in bulk, vehicle transport, and multipurpose logistics. Think green fuel, think China, and think strategic fleet expansion.
