China’s Shandong Shipping plans to order a series of newcastlemax bulker newbuildings worth close to $220m at state-owned Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Industry.

According to industry sources, Shandong is in close discussions with the Chinese shipyard for up to four 210,000-dwt vessels for delivery in 2020 and 2021.

The deal is for two firm ships plus two options.

“Shandong is not ordering the vessels on speculations," a shipping source said.