Swiss commodity trader and shipowner Mercuria Energy Group has stepped up its fleet growth across dry bulk and tankers with fresh newbuilding deals in China.

Brokers say the Geneva-based trader has signed contracts for up to four newcastlemax bulk carriers and two aframax/LR2 units.

The bulker order is understood to cover two firm 211,000 dwt newcastlemaxes at Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding in China, with options for two more. The vessels are slated for delivery in 2028, with pricing reported at around $77.5m per ship.

The newcastlemaxes form part of Mercuria’s ongoing fleet renewal and expansion drive in dry bulk. Last year, the company added at least four secondhand capesize bulkers as it worked to scale up its presence in the segment.

Alongside the bulkers, Mercuria has signed up for two 115,000 dwt tankers at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC), also for 2028 delivery. The tankers are reported to be priced at about $72m each and mark a further step in the company’s diversification across shipping markets.

Mercuria, founded in Geneva in 2004 by Marco Dunand and Daniel Jaeggi, today controls a fleet of around 40 vessels. The group has traditionally backed newbuilding exposure through long-term charter arrangements rather than direct ownership. Beyond the latest orders, Mercuria already has VLCCs as well as LR1 and MR tankers on order, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.