Agricore Shipping has reportedly acquired its fourth capesize this year, fuelling an expansion drive that has seen the Chinese shipping group piling up secondhand ships and newbuildings.

Brokers in Greece and the US identify the Qingdao-based company as the buyer of Nissen Kaiun’s 180,600-dwt Iron Phoenix (built 2012) for $35m or $35.5m.

Agricore managers did not respond to a request for comment but a purchase would fit with its recent moves.