Erasmus Shipinvest Turns to China for Bulk Carrier Orders

Greek owner breaks from Japanese yards with new kamsarmax series at New Hantong shipyard

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:59pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio still-life image of a polished metal model of a kamsarmax bulk carrier, set against a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic lighting and deep shadows, conceptually representing the strategic considerations behind Erasmus Shipinvest's decision to source its latest vessels from a Chinese shipyard.Erasmus Shipinvest's move to contract new bulk carriers in China signals a shift in Greek shipping's traditional reliance on Japanese yards.Athens Today

Athens-based Erasmus Shipinvest Group has contracted up to eight kamsarmax bulk carrier newbuilds at China's Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry, marking a shift from the company's long-standing reliance on Japanese shipyards for its fleet expansion.

Why it matters

This move by Erasmus Shipinvest signals a broader trend of Greek shipowners increasingly turning to Chinese shipyards, which have become more competitive on price and delivery times compared to their Japanese counterparts. It also reflects the growing prominence of Chinese shipbuilding in the global maritime industry.

The details

According to broker reports, the John Su-led Erasmus Shipinvest Group has placed orders for the new kamsarmax bulk carriers at the Jiangsu New Hantong shipyard. This represents a departure from the company's historical preference for Japanese shipbuilding, which has been a mainstay of the Greek shipping industry.

  • The orders were placed in March 2026.

The players

Erasmus Shipinvest Group

An Athens-based shipping company that has traditionally relied on Japanese shipyards for its fleet expansion.

Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry

A Chinese shipyard that has secured the latest bulk carrier orders from Erasmus Shipinvest, marking a shift in the Greek owner's sourcing strategy.

John Su

The leader of Erasmus Shipinvest Group who has overseen the company's decision to contract the new kamsarmax vessels at the Chinese shipyard.

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The takeaway

Erasmus Shipinvest's decision to turn to a Chinese shipyard for its latest bulk carrier orders reflects the growing competitiveness of Chinese shipbuilding and the changing dynamics in the global maritime industry, as Greek owners increasingly diversify their sourcing strategies beyond the traditional Japanese shipyards.