Chinese owner Fujian Highton Development is stepping up its move into the multipurpose and heavylift segment，placing fresh orders for four vessels as it works towards building a 100-ship fleet.

The Shanghai-listed company said its wholly owned subsidiary has signed contracts with Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding for four 62，000 dwt MPP newbuilds，with a total investment of up to RMB1.2bn ($175m)，excluding tax.

The latest deal follows an earlier order for three sister vessels placed at the same yard in January， taking Highton’s total orderbook for this design to seven ships. Deliveries are expected around 2030.

The vessels will be geared and designed to handle a wide range of cargoes， including project shipments，oversized equipment and industrial cargo tied to China’s expanding manufacturing exports.

The initial order marked a shift for Highton， which has traditionally grown through secondhand bulker acquisitions. While dry bulk remains the backbone of its business，the company has been gradually building exposure to other segments， including multipurpose vessels and tankers.

Earlier this year， Highton said its controlled fleet had reached just over 5m dwt，with 61 owned bulk carriers forming the core. Company filings said the investment is aimed at expanding shipping capacity，improving fleet structure and strengthening competitiveness and profitability.