Nasdaq newcomer Grindrod Shipping is expanding its fleet with charters for three Japanese bulker newbuildings, after buying two others.

The tanker and bulker company, spun-off from South Africa's Grindrod group in June, said it has agreed a deal to add two eco-ultramaxes in the third quarter of 2020, and expects to sign another contract for a 60,000-dwt ship soon.

The third vessel will be delivered from an unnamed Japanese yard in the third quarter of 2019 and chartered for three years with extension options.