China Merchants Energy Shipping has ordered eight new container ships through its wholly owned shipyard subsidiaries, in a deal valued at more than RMB3.8 billion, or around $556 million.
The order includes four 8,200 teu methanol-ready container ships and four 1,800 teu container ships. All vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
The four 8,200 teu ships will be fitted with scrubbers and represent an investment of up to RMB2.87 billion.
The four 1,800 teu vessels represent a separate investment of up to RMB940 million.
The ships will be built by two shipyards within China Merchants Shipbuilding Group.
China Merchants Energy Shipping said the order is part of its strategy to optimise its container fleet structure and upgrade route capacity.
Once delivered and operational in 2028, the vessels will be used to improve capacity, enhance loading efficiency, optimise fleet deployment and strengthen the competitiveness and service capability of the group’s container shipping business.
The container ship order follows another major fleet investment by the company. China Merchants Energy Shipping recently ordered ten conventional-fuel Very Large Crude Carriers from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry.
Those VLCCs will feature dual-fuel-ready design, scrubbers and shaft generators, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.
