China’s state-owned CSSC-affiliated Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) has won its first ever orders for kamsarmax bulkers from a domestic steel-mill owner.

Sources say Singapore-based Cara Shipping has booked two 82,000-dwt newbuildings plus two options at the state-owned yard for delivery in 2013.

SWS had previously focussed on building large bulkers and tankers.

The vessel design is said to have been developed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design Institute (SDARI). Newbuilding brokers say Cara is paying around $30.5m each for the bulkers.

“Cara Shipping is related to Chinese steel mill Rizhao Steel,” said a market player.

“Rizhao placed a pair of bulkers with Waigaoqiao a few years ago and the yard has since delivered one ship.”