Bulker giant Oldendorff Carriers has ordered a capesize bulker in Japan and has picked up another three Japanese dry cargo vessel in the secondhand market.

The deals mark a step away from the preference for Chinese tonnage that Oldendorff has shown in recent years when buying and ordering new vessels.

The owner-operator on Tuesday confirmed that it has ordered a 182,000-dwt capesize newbuilding, which will be built to an "eco" design at Namura Shipbuilding and delivered during the final quarter of next year.