Overview
Swiss dry‑bulk specialist Suisse‑Atlantique has announced a significant expansion of its new‑building programme in China. The company now has seven vessels on order at Jiangmen Nanyang Shipyard, a portfolio that combines five ultramax bulkers with two newly‑added open‑hatch ships.
New Open‑Hatch Orders
In a statement released this week, the André‑family‑controlled group confirmed the acquisition of two 40,500 dwt open‑hatch vessels. These box‑shaped ships will provide greater flexibility for handling break‑bulk, project cargoes and other specialized freight, complementing Suisse‑Atlantique’s traditional dry‑bulk focus. Delivery of the open‑hatch pair is scheduled between the third quarter of 2028 and the first quarter of 2029. Pricing, propulsion configuration and exact delivery dates have not been disclosed.
Ultramax Fleet Update
The latest order brings the total count of ships under construction at Jiangmen to seven. The five earlier contracts, initially reported as 63,500 dwt vessels priced around $33.5 million each, are now officially described as 64,400 dwt ultramaxes. All five are slated for delivery within the same 2028‑29 window.
These contracts mark Suisse‑Atlantique’s first foray into Chinese shipbuilding, a departure from its historical reliance on yards in Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines. Jiangmen Nanyang has emerged as one of the busiest Chinese facilities for handy‑size and ultramax projects, reinforcing the strategic value of the partnership.
Strategic Implications
The mixed‑ownership nature of the programme suggests that not all vessels will sit on the company’s balance sheet. Suisse‑Atlantique has indicated that the orderbook includes ships financed jointly with external investors, a structure that can spread capital risk while expanding fleet capacity.
Upon delivery, the group will retain full technical management of each vessel, extending its third‑party ship‑management services alongside its core ownership and chartering activities. This integrated approach aligns with the company’s broader strategy to operate across the handysize, ultramax and post‑panamax segments, offering a versatile fleet for a range of cargo types.
Market Outlook
The addition of open‑hatch vessels enhances the carrier’s ability to capture higher‑margin project and break‑bulk cargoes, sectors that have shown resilience despite recent freight market volatility. By diversifying its asset base, Suisse‑Atlantique positions itself to respond to evolving trade flows and to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Atlantic corridors.
Overall, the expanded Chinese orderbook underscores the company’s confidence in the long‑term demand for mid‑size bulk carriers and its commitment to maintaining a modern, flexible fleet capable of serving a broad spectrum of maritime trade.