Chinese leasing newcomer Huaxia Financial Leasing has returned to Chengxi Shipyard for a pair of its first Kamsarmax bulk carrier newbuilds.

The financial terms of the deal for the 82，600 dwt duo were not disclosed， but similar newbuild tonnage has been priced at about $35m.

The Beijing-based leasing company，which entered the shipping market at the end of 2021， already has eight Ultramaxes booked at the SSC-affiliated yard for delivery in 2024， in addition to eight more spread between two other domestic yards.

A total of 719 vessels have been contracted in the first six months of 2023， out of which 24.2% were bulkers， according to Intermodal. However， the Greek shipbroker noted that the dry bulk orderbook is at a historical low of 7.21% of the fleet， despite the uptick in ordering activity.

“The contracting activity is projected to remain subdued in the coming months since availability at the top 10 Chinese yard groups will remain constrained until 2025-2026，” Intermodal said in its latest report.