Gianluigi Aponte’s Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) has returned to Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard in China for a new series of LNG dual-fuel megamax containerships.
The Swiss-based liner giant has signed up for four firm 21,700 teu newbuilds with options for up to four additional vessels. Deliveries are set for 2027 and 2028.
The yard confirmed the order, saying it was its largest newbuilding project to date and in Zhejiang Province.
Soren Toft-led MSC previously ordered 11,500 teu and 10,300 teu 10-ship series at Changhong International in 2023, which was followed by twelve 19,000 teu LNG dual-fuel megamaxes last August.
The world’s largest container carrier has a fleet of about 6.4m teu, commanding around 20% share of the global operated fleet. The company’s massive orderbook now stands at more than 130 ships, which is, following the latest deal, projected to boost the fleet by an additional 2.15m slots in the coming years.
Changhong International has also confirmed the earlier reported order for 11,400 teu LNG dual-fuel boxsips from George Economou’s TMS Group.