Hong Kong | December 23, 2025 – In a move that underscores a pragmatic approach to fleet renewal, Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (2343.HK) has announced the acquisition of four 40,000 dwt Handysize newbuildings for a total of US$119.2 million.
The deal, signed today, with China’s Jiangmen Nanyang Ship Engineering (JNS), marks a significant expansion of the company’s newbuilding program. However, it is the choice of propulsion that has captured the industry’s attention: the vessels will be conventionally powered, a decision Pacific Basin explicitly linked to recent global regulatory delays.
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Strategy: Efficiency Over “Green” Uncertainty
While Pacific Basin remains committed to its long-term net-zero goals, including a previous order for four dual-fuel methanol Ultramaxes, this latest quartet opts for traditional single-fuel designs.
The company cited two primary drivers for this tactical pivot:
- Regulatory Adjournment: The IMO’s October 2025 postponement of the “Net Zero Framework” has cooled the immediate pressure for universal dual-fuel adoption. The 12-month delay in formalizing global carbon pricing and fuel standards has created a window where high-efficiency conventional ships remain highly competitive.
- Technological Maturity: Pacific Basin noted a current lack of “proven” dual-fuel designs specifically tailored for the Handysize segment, opting instead for the reliability of JNS’s world-renowned eco-designs.
The “Nanyang” Advantage
The choice of shipyard is no coincidence. JNS is widely regarded as a specialist in the Handysize sector, with its 40,000 dwt “eco” design becoming a signature product in the dry bulk market.
Vessel Specifications:
- Capacity: 40,000 dwt with “Logs-Fitted” and “Open-Hatch” configurations.
- Flexibility: Designed to carry diverse cargoes (grains, steels, logs), enabling triangulated trading, a key driver of Pacific Basin’s consistent Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) outperformance.
- Delivery: Scheduled for the first half of 2028, fitting into the company’s “disciplined renewal” cycle as it phases out older, less efficient tonnage.
“The agreed price is considered attractive for 2028 deliveries,” said Martin Fruergaard, CEO of Pacific Basin. “These vessels allow us to replace older tonnage with modern, flexible designs that open up more cargo opportunities and increase our TCE earnings potential.”
Market Context: Navigating 2026 and Beyond
The acquisition comes at a pivotal time for the dry bulk sector. While the larger Capesize market has seen volatility, the Handysize and Supramax segments have shown resilience due to the steady demand for minor bulks and regional trade flows.
By doubling its newbuilding program to eight vessels (four dual-fuel Ultramaxes and four conventional Handysizes), Pacific Basin is hedging its bets. It is maintaining a “green” foothold with its Japanese methanol-ready orders while ensuring its core “workhorse” fleet remains modernized and cost-efficient for the late 2020s.
Quick Look: Pacific Basin Fleet Profile
| Feature | Details (Post-Order) |
| Owned Fleet | 107 Vessels |
| Total Operated Fleet | 250+ Vessels |
| Newbuilding Pipeline | 4 Dual-Fuel Ultramaxes + 4 Eco-Handysizes |
| Global Reach | 14 Offices |
About Pacific Basin Shipping Limited
Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (2343.HK) is a global leader in the dry bulk maritime sector, specializing in the ownership and operation of modern Handysize and Supramax vessels. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company has built a reputation for operational excellence and disciplined asset management since its founding in 1987.
As of late 2025, Pacific Basin operates a massive fleet of approximately 250 vessels, with 107 of these being company-owned. The group serves a diverse portfolio of over 600 industrial customers, transporting essential commodities such as grains, forest products, steels, and construction materials across global trade routes.
Key Corporate Highlights:
- Global Footprint: Supported by a network of 14 offices across six continents, including major hubs in Singapore, London, Dubai, and Stamford.
- Integrated Management: Features a world-class in-house fleet management team that oversees everything from technical maintenance to crewing for its 4,300 seafarers.
- Financial Resilience: Publicly traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2004, the company maintains a strong liquidity position (exceeding US$500 million in mid-2025) to fund its strategic fleet renewal.
- Sustainability & ESG: Pacific Basin is a pioneer in the “green shipping” transition, with a fleet growth strategy that includes both high-efficiency conventional vessels and next-generation dual-fuel Ultramax ships designed for zero-carbon fuels.
Under the leadership of CEO Martin Fruergaard, the company continues to outperform market benchmarks through its “triangulated trading” model, which maximizes vessel utilization and minimizes ballast legs, delivering consistent value to shareholders and global supply chains.
Source: Pacific Basic Shipping