Bijlsma back in business

Bijlsma Shipyard in Holland, which went bankrupt about a year ago and was taken over by the Dutch company VeKa Group, has booked a large order for 10 newbuildings from Delfzijl-based Wagenborg.

The contract calls for six 3,200DWT and four 4,500DWT general cargo ships, all of which are slated for delivery next year. Based on the Bijlsma Trader 3200 and 4500, the newbuildings will be powered by Wartsila engines. The first hull will be built at a new yard in Czech, Nova Lodenice Melnik, which is also owned by VeKa. Some of the other newbuildings will be constructed at a yard in China while others are rumoured to be heading for yards in Ukraine and Poland.