Shandong Shipping is in talks with Chinese yards to order a series of capesize bulkers for charters to German power giant RWE in a deal that would greatly expand its owned fleet in the segment.

Sources close to the shipowner said the charter package is agreed in principle and talks are ongoing with yards and financiers to build 10 ships of 180,000 dwt each on the basis of 10-year time charters to RWE at index-related rates.