Aristides Pittas is pressing ahead with another round of dry bulk fleet expansion in China, as companies linked to the Greek owner continue to build out their newbuilding exposure in the kamsarmax segment.

China’s Hengli Heavy Industries said the Pittas family-controlled Eurobulk has expanded its kamsarmax programme at the yard to four vessels after signing contracts for an additional pair of 82,000 dwt bulk carriers.

The latest contracts follow an earlier undisclosed order for two sisterships, taking the total series at the Dalian-based yard to four vessels.

No pricing details were disclosed, although market estimates place Chinese kamsarmax newbuilding prices at around $37m per ship.

Eurobulk provides executive, technical and commercial management services to Nasdaq-listed EuroDry and containership owner Euroseas, both led by Pittas.

The latest move further expands Eurodry’s overall newbuilding programme, which now stands at six vessels.

In late 2024, the US-listed owner, which currently counts 11 bulk carriers on the water, booked a pair of ultramax bulk carriers at Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding, with deliveries scheduled through the third quarter of 2027. Those ships will also be managed by Eurobulk.

Hengli said Eurobulk’s repeat business reflected confidence in the yard’s shipbuilding capabilities and marked a deepening relationship between the two companies.

The order also adds to growing Greek interest in Chinese bulker construction as owners continue to favour competitive pricing and available delivery slots at mainland yards.

Hengli Heavy Industries has rapidly emerged as a preferred yard for Greek dry bulk owners targeting the kamsarmax segment. In recent months, fellow Greek players including Star Bulk Carriers, Efnav, Oceanbulk Maritime, Aegean Bulk and Centrofin have all been linked to sizeable kamsarmax orders at the Chinese builder.