Maritime Industry Briefing: W Marine Expands Ultramax Fleet, Savannah Port Advances $5bn Growth Plan

## W Marine Moves into Ultramax Segment with Chinese Newbuild Order Greek shipowner W Marine has broadened its newbuilding programme with an order for three ultramax bulk carriers, marking the Yiannis Sarantitis-controlled company's entry into the 64,500 dwt vessel class. According to Splash247, the vessels — identified as hulls DJHC6601, DJHC6602 and DJHC6603 — have been placed at Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry in China, with scheduled deliveries in May, August and November respectively. The staggered delivery schedule suggests a deliberate fleet expansion strategy, allowing the owner to absorb and deploy each vessel before the next arrives. The ultramax segment has attracted sustained interest from owners seeking versatile, fuel-efficient tonnage capable of trading across a wide range of bulk commodity routes. W Marine's move into this class signals growing confidence in the medium-term outlook for dry bulk demand, even as the broader market navigates ongoing freight rate volatility. Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry has positioned itself as a competitive option for owners seeking cost-effective newbuild slots in the ultramax and supramax categories, and this order reinforces its standing as a yard of choice for Greek interests. --- ## Savannah Closes FY2026 Near Record as GPA Pushes $5bn Masterplan Forward The Port of Savannah has closed fiscal year 2026 close to last year's record cargo volumes, buoyed by a strong performance in June, according to Seatrade Maritime. The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) attributed the resilient throughput figures to ongoing infrastructure investment and shifting cargo flows that have continued to favour the US South Atlantic gateway. The GPA's $5 billion master plan — one of the most ambitious port development programmes on the US East Coast — encompasses expanded container handling capacity, deepened berths, and improved landside connectivity. The investment is designed to position Savannah to capture a growing share of import and export volumes as supply chain diversification strategies reshape US trade patterns. Savannah has emerged as a critical node in American logistics networks, particularly following disruptions at West Coast ports in recent years that prompted shippers to reassess their gateway strategies. The port's continued near-record performance underscores its growing strategic importance to retailers, manufacturers and agricultural exporters alike. The GPA's progress on its masterplan will be closely watched by shipping lines and logistics operators as they plan vessel deployments and long-term service commitments to the US East Coast. --- *Sources: Splash247, Seatrade Maritime*