Idan Ofer’s Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has lifted its orderbook of ammonia dual-fuel newcastlemax bulkers in China.

The Singapore-based shipowner has firmed up orders for four additional 210，000 dwt units at CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding， taking its order tally at the yard to 10.

The order follows six ships booked last year set to deliver between 2026 and 2027，according to shipbuilding databases，which show a diversified newbuilding lineup of more than 70 ships on EPS’ books.

EPS is believed to be paying around $80m per ship，or $800m for 10 ships in total.

Although methanol was the top fuel of choice for newbuild projects in 2023， with about 138 ships on record， last year also marked a breakout year for ammonia，with 11 orders for vessels run on this fuel，and more in the pipeline，according to class society DNV.