Petros Pappas’ privately held Oceanbulk Maritime has resurfaced on the bulker newbuilding scene, securing a trio of kamsarmaxes at China’s Hengli Heavy Industries.

The Chinese yard recently announced a series of 82,000 dwt vessels, Oceanbulk linked to three units for delivery between the second and fourth quarters of 2027. No pricing has been revealed.

The move comes as Oceanbulk steps up its activity across multiple segments. The order is entirely separate from the deal signed by the Pappas-led publicly listed vehicle, Star Bulk Carriers. Earlier this month, Star Bulk confirmed it had entered novation and amendment agreements with Hengli Shipbuilding in Singapore and Dalian for three similar 82,000-dwt kamsarmax resales due in the third quarter of 2026.

Oceanbulk is also edging back into the container market after several quiet years. In October, shipbuilding and market sources linked the company to an order for two 3,100-teu feeder ships at Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard. The pair is understood to be priced at about $47m each, with deliveries slated for late 2027 to early 2028. If finalised, the contract would mark Oceanbulk’s first return to boxships since exiting the sector seven years ago.

Shipping databases show Oceanbulk currently operating five bulkers, with no active containerships. The fresh round of orders signals a gradual re-expansion under Pappas, who continues to shape both his private and public fleets at a steady pace.