South Korean shipping company Polaris Shipping has placed an order for four new ore carriers with a Chinese shipyard, according to safety4sea. The vessels will be equipped with tri-fuel engines, allowing them to run on multiple fuel types.
The order was reported by safety4sea on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The news outlet did not specify the name of the Chinese yard, the delivery timeline, or the financial terms of the contract. It also did not detail which three fuels the vessels will be capable of using.
Tri-fuel propulsion systems are becoming more common in the bulk shipping sector as operators look to hedge against volatile fuel prices and prepare for tighter emissions regulations. By ordering vessels that can switch between fuel types, Polaris Shipping is likely seeking operational flexibility across different trading routes and regulatory zones.
The order adds to a broader trend of Korean shipowners turning to Chinese yards for newbuildings, which often offer competitive pricing and faster construction slots compared to domestic shipbuilders. Polaris Shipping already operates a large fleet of bulk carriers, including very large ore carriers, and this new order appears to be part of its fleet renewal or expansion strategy.
No further details on the vessels’ size or cargo capacity were provided in the safety4sea report.
Watch for additional announcements from Polaris Shipping regarding the specific fuel types and expected delivery dates for these four carriers.
