Turkey's Aruna Shipping Commits to 10-Vessel Ultramax Programme at Chinese Yard

Turkey's Aruna Shipping is making a significant bet on the dry bulk market, signing a contract for up to 10 ultramax bulk carriers at Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding's newly established Zhoushan operation in China, according to Splash247. The deal comprises six firm orders for 64,500 dwt vessels, with options covering an additional four ships. If all options are exercised, the programme would more than double Aruna's current owned fleet, marking one of the more ambitious expansion moves by a Turkish dry bulk operator in recent years. ## Strategic Expansion in the Ultramax Segment The ultramax segment — typically defined as bulk carriers in the 60,000–65,000 dwt range — has remained a popular choice among operators seeking versatility across a broad range of commodity trades, including grain, coal, and minor bulks. The 64,500 dwt specification places these vessels firmly within the upper end of the supramax class, offering improved cargo capacity while retaining access to a wide range of global ports. The choice of Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding's Zhoushan facility is also noteworthy. Shipbuilding databases indicate the yard represents a relatively new operation, suggesting Aruna is among the early customers to commit to the facility — a move that typically comes with competitive pricing in exchange for supporting a yard's early order book development. ## Turkish Owners Active in Newbuilding Market Aruna's commitment reflects a broader trend of Turkish shipping companies actively pursuing fleet renewal and expansion through Chinese yards, where competitive construction costs and available berths have attracted international owners amid sustained interest in dry bulk tonnage. The dry bulk market has experienced periods of robust freight rates in recent years, underpinned by strong demand for commodities and ongoing fleet renewal cycles as older tonnage faces increasing regulatory pressure related to emissions compliance. With six firm vessels on order and options for four more, Aruna's programme will be closely watched as an indicator of owner confidence in medium-term dry bulk fundamentals. *Source: Splash247*