Belgian shipowner CMB.TECH has secured a series of long-term bulker charters that have helped lift its contract backlog to more than $3bn.

The Antwerp-based group controlled by the Saverys family has fixed five capesize bulkers on five-year charters, with the contracts due to begin in the coming months.

The vessels include the 2014-built Mineral Ajisai and Mineral Sakura, as well as the 2018-built trio Mineral Cumulus, Mineral Calvus and Mineral Incus.

Alongside the bulker fixtures, the company has secured a three-year contract starting in April for a commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV), adding further forward earnings visibility. Combined, the deals bring in $304m, taking the overall contract backlog to about $3.05bn.

The group’s dry bulk activities are largely run through its Bocimar arm, which operates a modern fleet including 36 newcastlemax bulkers currently on the water with an average age of just over three years, plus 10 on order, alongside 37 capesize vessels.

Earlier this year, CMB.TECH agreed to sell two of its older capesize vessels, the 2009-built Golden Magnum and Belgravia, with delivery to their new owners in the first quarter of 2026, which are expected to generate a capital gain of about $8.1m.