Major container feeder vessels firm Contships Logistics Corp., with a fleet portfolio of 27 vessels, has kicked off a potentially 30-ship newbuilding programme in China.
The Nikolas D. Pateras-controlled company has signed a letter of Intent through a wholly-owned subsidiary, CLC Newbuildings Inc., for the construction of 30 next-generation 1,324 teu container vessels.
The deal with Hubei Guangji Green Energy Shipbuilding Group envisages 10 firm vessels with options for an additional 10 plus 10 vessels.
Pricing and delivery dates have not been disclosed.
The boxships’ design will be based on the “ContshipMax CV1300” concept developed in cooperation with SDARI.
The ships will feature 340 reefer plugs, high operational flexibility and significantly improved fuel consumption and emissions efficiency, within dimensions specifically optimised for the global feeder trades.
The vessels will be equipped with a Tier III Mitsubishi main engines.
They will also have advanced low-pressure SCR technology, Daihatsu Generators, shaft-generator and energy-saving devices, creating a modern and efficient platform designed for reliability, reduced environmental impact and the increasingly demanding requirements of global feeder operations, Contships said.
The vessels will be constructed at Hubei Guangji Green Energy Shipbuilding Group’s new-generation shipyard, combining modern automated production facilities with the strategic partnership of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding & Offshore Project Management, the Greek owner added.
“The cooperation combines Contships’ extensive experience in the feeder-container sector, and a modern Chinese shipyard supported by one of China’s leading shipbuilders,” said Contships in a statement.
It also noted that the newbuilding programme was a “significant step” in the company’s long-term fleet renewal strategy, reflecting a “continued commitment to investing in efficient, modern tonnage for the global container feeder sector.”
Contships Logistics Corp. is exclusively focused on vessels ranging from 900 to 2,000 TEU. The company currently operates a fleet of 27 feeder containerships.
