8 July (Lloyd's list) - SHIPBUILDING contracts for a total of 17 containerships in the midsize and ultra-large segments were confirmed in the past week. There are understood to be several other orders in the pipeline.

First, Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping confirmed that it tied up an order for eight firm ultra-large boxships with options for a further four vessels arranged as part of the contract.

The 18,000 teu, liquefied natural gas dual-fuel vessels were contracted from China’s New Times Shipbuilding and are booked for delivery in 2028. 

Market sources have speculated that all of the vessels are backed by a long-term charter to France’s CMA CGM.

The world third-largest operator of containerships is an existing client of EPS and has 15 units of 15,000 teu on long-term time charter from the Idan Ofer-owned shipowner, which were delivered between 2019 and 2022.

John Fredriksen-backed SFL Corp also disclosed that it has ordered a series of ultra-large containerships. They are tied to long-term time charters to an undisclosed liner operator for up to 12 years.

Options to purchase the ships at the end of their charters have been arranged by their the charter party.

The five 16,800 teu, LNG dual-fuel vessels are understood to have also been ordered from NTS, and are booked for delivery in 2028.

The EPS and SFL vessels are the first containership newbuildings to have been won by the shipyard in three years, as NTS has been focused on the construction of large bulk carriers and tankers.

Meanwhile, Greek containership and bulk carrier tonnage provider Danaos is reported by brokers to have ordered four midsize containerships from China’s Dalian Shipbuilding.

Industry sources have confirmed there are several more containership orders in the pipeline. They include up to 20 mid-size and ultra large, LNG dual-fuel vessels for CMA CGM. The orders are expected to be won by South Korean shipyards.  

Canadian tonnage provider Seaspan is reported by brokers to have signed letters of intent with Chinese shipyards for a minimum of 10 alternative fuel newbuildings of between 9,000 teu and 13,000 teu, which will be backed by charter contracts from Maersk and Ocean Network Express.

Further newbuilding contracts confirmed in the past two weeks comprise two cruise ships, six bunker tankers, 12 gas carriers, 19 tankers and 21 dry cargo carriers.