Two North German shipowners have placed orders for a total of four more mini-bulkers with Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands.

Wessels Reederei and HS Schiffahrts have each ordered two 3,800-dwt vessels. The order is a further sign of the increasing interest in newbuildings for shortsea bulkers.

Both companies have contracted ships of the Damen Combi Freighter (CF 3850) design. These have box-shaped holds with multiple position options for the two grain bulkheads.