South Korea’s Sammok Shipping and China’s Shanghai Changjiang Shipping have both chosen Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for new bulk carrier orders as they move to expand their fleets.

Seoul-based Sammok has contracted two 63,800 dwt ultramaxes at the state-owned yard, marking the first collaboration between the two companies. The owner is currently listed with a single ultramax built in 2015, according to shipping databases.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Changjiang Shipping — part of Sinotrans CSC Group and under the China Merchants umbrella — has signed up for two 82,000 dwt kamsarmax newbuildings.

Delivery schedules for both owners have not been disclosed, but the combined value of the dual order is understood to be around $142m.

Nantong Xiangyu, located along the Yangtze River, has built a strong position in the ultramax segment and continues to broaden its capabilities. Earlier this year, the yard entered the newcastlemax market with an order from Japan’s Doun Kisen.

The builder has also expanded its production footprint through the recent takeover of Jiangsu Hongqiang Ship Heavy Industry, adding capacity to construct vessels of up to 100,000 dwt.