Chinese liner operator Zhonggu Logistics has placed an order for two 14,000-teu neo-panamax container ships at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, marking the company’s largest container vessel order to date.
The Shanghai-listed operator, which trades under the Zhonggu Shipping banner, is expanding its fleet through the order for conventionally fuelled newbuildings. Hudong-Zhonghua said the contract is the first newbuilding agreement signed between the two companies.
Context: Container Shipping Intelligence File · Dry bulk shipping market explained
The state-owned shipbuilder did not disclose the price or delivery schedule. However, industry sources indicated that one vessel is expected to be delivered in 2029 and the second in 2030. Brokers estimated the price at about $155m per ship.
Operational context
Hudong-Zhonghua said the vessels are based on an in-house design and will feature a range of energy-saving measures intended to improve fuel efficiency. The yard said the design has also attracted orders from other owners, including Peter Dohle and China United Lines, or CU Lines.
CU Lines ordered two conventionally fuelled 14,000-teu vessels of the type from Hudong-Zhonghua in September, with delivery scheduled for 2029. Their reported price was also about $155m per vessel.
The latest order is Zhonggu’s fourth newbuilding contract of 2026 and lifts its total reported spending on container ship newbuildings this year to nearly $1.37bn.
Earlier in the year, Zhonggu ordered six 6,300-teu ships at Hengli Heavy Industry for $500m, followed by two more 6,300-teu vessels at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard for $167m. It also contracted 10 feeder container ships, each with capacity of 1,800 teu, at Wuhan Qingshan Shipyard for $392m.
Market participants said the order reflects efforts by Zhonggu to enlarge its fleet and develop its international services. A container shipping specialist said Chinese liner companies are increasing vessel capacity and could be seeking openings in additional markets.
Founded in 2003, Zhonggu operates an owned fleet of 12 ships with combined capacity of about 55,735 teu, according to Alphaliner. The analyst ranks the company 34th among global liner operators.
The 14,000-teu order represents a significant increase in vessel size for Zhonggu compared with its previously disclosed orders this year, which have focused on 6,300-teu vessels and smaller feeder tonnage.