Union Maritime has added nine newbuildings across five vessel classes, taking its orderbook to almost 80 ships, Splash247 reported. The additions cover product and chemical tankers alongside bulk carriers, extending the London-based company's expansion beyond its established tanker business. Prices for the latest contracts have not been disclosed.
The tanker additions include two 49,800 dwt MR product carriers at Jingjiang Nanyang Shipbuilding and a single 115,000 dwt LR2 at Guangzhou Shipyard International, all scheduled for delivery in 2027. Union Maritime has also added two 19,900 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers at Fukuoka Shipbuilding, with one due in 2028 and the other in 2029.
On the dry bulk side, the company has added two 211,000 dwt newcastlemaxes at Wuhu Shipyard for delivery in 2029, plus two 40,000 dwt handysize vessels at Imabari Shipbuilding for handover in 2027 and 2029. The Wuhu additions bring its programme at that yard to six vessels. Its fleet list identifies hulls W2691 to W2696, each of 211,000 dwt, with deliveries spanning 2028-2029.
According to Splash247, Union Maritime's entry into the capesize-plus market began earlier this year, when it was linked to an initial Wuhu order reported as two firm vessels and two options at about $76m each. The broader fleet expansion is reflected in company material dated 1 September, which listed 185 ships: 106 operating vessels and 79 newbuildings. That material placed 48 of the ships on order at 10 Chinese yards, with deliveries extending to 2030.
Splash247's August coverage of the owner's Yangzijiang gas carrier expansion had put its orderbook at 69 vessels, including 61 under construction in China. This year, Union Maritime has also been linked to two 90,000 cu m VLGC/VLAC vessels at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries valued at around $234m, and two 88,000 cu m VLACs at Yangzijiang. Founded by Laurent Cadji in 2006, the privately owned business has expanded from one ship serving West African trades into tankers, bulkers, gas carriers and offshore vessels.