Chinese bulker owner Fujian Haitong Development has continued its fleet expansion with a rare move into the newbuilding market， ordering three multipurpose heavylift vessels at Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding.

The Shanghai-listed company disclosed the deal in a stock exchange filing， putting the total investment at up to RMB900m ($129m) before tax. Delivery dates for the 62，000 dwt units have not been specified， although the yard is contractually required to deliver each vessel within 12 months of steel cutting， subject to allowable delays.

The order marks a shift for Fujian Haitong， which has grown rapidly in recent years largely through secondhand acquisitions rather than yard orders. The strategy has allowed the company to scale up quickly and cost-effectively， with management targeting a 100-vessel fleet over the medium term.

Founded in 2009， Fujian Haitong initially focused on the supramax segment before moving into larger bulker classes， including capesize tonnage. By mid-2025， the company controlled a fleet of more than 70 bulk carriers， alongside a growing number of multipurpose vessels.

The owner entered the heavylift MPP segment last year， taking delivery of its first units and opening the door to higher-margin project cargoes and equipment transport. The latest newbuilds are seen as a further step into that space， as demand for project and specialised cargo shipping remains firm against a backdrop of an ageing global MPP fleet and limited orderbook.

The vessels will be contracted through Haitong International Shipping， a wholly owned subsidiary， with the company saying the investment is aimed at expanding carrying capacity， strengthening fleet structure and improving competitiveness and profitability.