Meadway Bulkers, a Greek shipping company renowned for its affinity for Japanese-built vessels, has signed a new contract with Japan's Imabari Shipbuilding to construct an Ultramax bulk carrier. The vessel, with a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 64,000, is expected for delivery in the second quarter of 2027. This new order expands Meadway Bulkers' current newbuilding scheme to six vessels, comprising four Ultramax and two Handysize bulk carriers. The additional Ultramax vessels are currently under construction by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding , with an anticipated delivery through the third quarter of 2026, while the Handysize units are being built by Namura Shipbuilding and are due by the first quarter of 2026. Meadway Bulkers, led by George Delaportas since 2021, operates a fleet of 15 bulk carriers, largely sourced from Japan, focusing on strategic fleet expansion and timely secondhand acquisitions. Following a split in leadership from the Delaportas siblings, George Delaportas spearheads Meadway Bulkers, while Costas Delaportas heads the rebranded DryDel Shipping. The cooperative relationship between Greek shipowners and Japanese shipyards continues despite a shift in some orders to Chinese yards. Companies like Alberta Shipmanagement, DryDel Shipping, Latsco, Safe Bulkers, and Samos Steamship remain major proponents of Japanese craftsmanship, contributing to Japan's ongoing prominence in global shipbuilding.

Source: https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/meadway-bulkers-expands-orderbook-with-new-ultramax-order-at-japanese-shipyard-84697