Oldendorff Carriers' expansion of its owned fleet continues as it emerges that the German bulker operator has booked newbuildings in China and Japan.

The company has commissioned China-based Nantong Cosco KHI Shipbuilding (Nacks) to construct three 61,000-dwt geared bulkers, according to market sources.

The price of the ultramax ships is not disclosed but shipbuilding players say the vessels cost around $24.8m