Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited (GE Shipping), an industry leader, announced key fleet adjustments on December 26, 2025, including selling off one kamsarmax dry bulk carrier as part of a larger plan to optimize dry bulk and gas carrier operations ahead of Q4 FY26 completions.
Sale of Kamsarmax Dry Bulk Carrier Jag Aarati.
GE Shipping has entered into an agreement to sell the kamsarmax dry bulk carrier Jag Aarati to an unaffiliated third party. The transaction, disclosed via a stock exchange filing, aligns with the company's efforts to streamline its dry bulk fleet. Delivery of the vessel to the buyer is expected in the fourth quarter of FY26, which spans January to March 2026.
The current owned fleet of GE Shipping totals 39 vessels, aggregating 3.17 million deadweight tonnes. This includes 14 dry bulk carriers: two capesize, ten kamsarmax, and two supramax. The divestment of Jag Aarati reflects ongoing portfolio management in a competitive dry bulk market.
Complement VLGC Transactions by Engaging VLGC
In tandem with the bulk carrier sale, GE Shipping contracted to sell its 2002-built very large gas carrier (VLGC) Jag Vishnu, with a capacity of 77,922 cbm. The agreement for Jag Vishnu was executed on December 26, 2025, with delivery also targeted for Q4 FY26.
As part of its strategy to offset these divestments, GE Shipping has agreed to acquire two second-hand VLGC and ultramax dry bulk carriers from secondhand owners in order to bolster its capabilities in gas and dry bulk segments and maintain a diverse fleet mix that includes 25 tankers (five crude tankers, 16 product tankers and 4 LPG carriers) plus dry bulk vessels.
Strategic Implications of Dry Bulk Sector Developments
These transactions demonstrate GE Shipping's proactive approach to fleet renewal in an environment of fluctuating dry bulk freight rates and geopolitical influence on trade routes. Acquiring ultramax bulkers demonstrates its trust in mid-sized bulkers for cargo handling versatility.
Industry observers note that such fleet reshuffling is common practice among operators in response to market dynamics such as iron ore, coal and grain demand. GE Shipping's moves position them to increase operational efficiencies and take advantage of favorable secondhand vessel pricing opportunities.
No further information was disclosed in the filing on sale prices or buyer identities, with the company noting that all deals should close by Q4 FY26 under standard closing conditions.