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Russia-based producer of foodstuffs and ingredients Aston has signed contracts with two Chinese shipyards for the construction of four new bulk carriers.
The quartet, which reportedly cost $US18.7 million, is part of a series of ten 8,000DWT ships. They are the biggest size allowed to enter River Don ports.
Delivery is scheduled in 2020.
The company operates ports terminals on the River Don, a shipbuilding yard, a dry-cargo vessel for river-sea navigation, oil tankers and bulkers for grain transportation.
Aston Chief Executive Officer Vadim Vikulov said the newbuilds would complement its new 45,000DWT Handymax vessel that started operations late last month.