Turkey’s Ciner Shipping Industry & Trading is in advanced stages to sign a quartet of ultramax newbuildings at New Dayang Shipbuilding.

According to Athens-based market sources, the deal will be for at least four firm ultramaxes to be delivered in the first half of 2024.

The move reflects the confidence dry bulk owners display in what several market watchers interpret as a sustainable shipping “supercycle”, spurred by a global post-Covid-19 recovery.