Seatrade Maritime: China Merchants Energy Shipping expands container ship fleet

China Merchants Energy Shipping signed a shipbuilding agreement with China Merchants Industry for the construction of four 3,000 teu conventional-fuelled container vessels equipped with scrubbers.

The total investment in the newbuilds is expected not to exceed RMB 1.3 billion ($180 million), with the delivery period scheduled for 2027–2028.

“The decision to place new vessel orders represents a necessary step for the company to optimize its container shipping fleet structure, aligning with the company’s strategic plans and the development needs of its container shipping business,” stated China Merchants Energy Shipping.

Compared to other alternatives, the subsidiary shipyard of China Merchants Industry offers earlier delivery timelines, superior shipbuilding conditions, and reliable construction capabilities, making it the optimal choice based on a comprehensive assessment, added the company.

Upon being delivered and put into operation, the vessels are expected to be utilized for capacity upgrades and structural optimisation of existing routes, improving loading capacity and operational efficiency, while enhancing the market competitiveness and service capabilities of the container shipping business.

China Merchants Energy Shipping manages a fleet that includes very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and very large ore carriers (VLOCs), alongside a top-tier domestic fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels, as well as a container fleet actively serving the Asia-Pacific region.