Hong Kong handysize owner Taylor Maritime has been linked to another two Japanese-controlled bulkers in another apparent move to boost its fleet.

The company is said to have acquired the 32,000-dwt Elliot Bay (built 2009) for $11.7m from Yamamaru Kisen and the New Izumo (built 2010) for $12.7m from Kyowa Sansho. Both were constructed at Japan's Kanda Shipbuilding.

The prices are in line with what the Ed Buttery-controlled private company paid in February when it bought two other Japanese-controlled handysizes in an unreported deal.