China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group (CMI) Qingdao has confirmed the signing of a contract with ArcelorMittal for four 211,000 DWT Newcastlemax bulk carriers. The deal, finalized in Hong Kong, marks a significant step for CMI Qingdao as it expands its presence in the large bulker market. Previously rumored as a '2+2' arrangement, the agreement is now confirmed as four firm vessels. This move highlights CMI’s strategic shift from specialized vessels towards mainstream merchant shipbuilding. Earlier this month, at Marintec China 2025, CMI Qingdao also secured a contract with Neu Seeschiffahrt GmbH for six 325,000 DWT very large ore carriers, emphasizing the company's growing ambitions in the global bulk carrier sector.