Greek owner Petros Pappas is rumoured to have added a series of capesize newbuildings at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS).
His private company Oceanbulk has placed two firm 180,000-dwt bulkers at the Chinese yard with options for two more, shipbroking sources say.
At a suggested price of $43m per vessel, the deal will run to $172m should the options be taken up.
