Japan’s Nisshin Shipping has ordered another slew of ultramaxes as its appetite for bulkers continues unabated.

The discreet shipowner has returned to Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore for up to nine ultramax bulkers.

The latest order at the Chinese shipyard brings the total number of newbuildings that Nisshin has booked at Far East yards to 55 vessels, costing more than $1.5bn.