Pacific Basin Shipping Limited has announced the acquisition of four 40,000 DWT Handysize newbuildings from a Chinese shipyard for a total of US$119.2 million, with deliveries expected in Q1 and Q2 2028. This order marks the company’s return to Chinese shipbuilding after 11 years, shifting from its usual preference for Japanese yards. The move comes amid ongoing US scrutiny of China’s shipbuilding sector, highlighting the competitiveness of Chinese yards in terms of cost, supply chain, and availability. Notably, the vessels will be conventionally fueled, diverging from Pacific Basin’s recent push for methanol dual-fuel ships. The company emphasized that this reflects a pragmatic approach to fleet renewal, given the limited maturity of dual-fuel designs for Handysize vessels. Pacific Basin affirmed its continued commitment to decarbonisation, referencing recent methanol-fueled Ultramax orders and a green methanol supply agreement. This strategic decision aligns with Pacific Basin’s broader efforts to balance regulatory readiness, fleet renewal, and operational flexibility.