US-listed Greek owner Seanergy Maritime has expanded its newbuilding programme, signing for two additional capesize-class vessels at Chinese yards and lifting its total investment in new tonnage to about $226m.

The Stamatis Tsantanis-led company, which placed its first-ever newbuilding order in October, has now lined up three large scrubber-fitted bulkers for delivery between 2027 and 2028.

In January, Seanergy contracted a 181,500 dwt newbuild at Hengli Shipbuilding in Dalian – a sister ship to the unit ordered last year at the same yard. The price is about $75.2m, with delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.

The company also revealed a deal for a 211,000 dwt scrubber-fitted newcastlemax at Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry Co for around $75.8m. Delivery is expected in the second quarter of 2028.

Seanergy said that all three vessels will feature modern, fuel-efficient designs aimed at cutting emissions and improving consumption, in line with the company’s fleet renewal and decarbonisation plans.

Alongside the ordering spree, Seanergy has agreed to dispose of the 2010-built Dukeship through an 18-month bareboat charter to spinoff United Maritime. United has advanced a $5.5m downpayment and will pay $9,450 per day, with a purchase obligation of $22.1m at the end of the charter period.

Chief executive Tsantanis said the expanded programme secures early delivery positions in what he sees as a supportive capesize market – pointing to firm iron ore and bauxite trades, limited newbuilding supply in the segment and favourable ton-mile trends heading into 2026.