Nasdaq-listed Greek owner Euroseas is the latest boxship player to turn to Chinese yards for feeder tonnage, with brokers pointing to a potential order for two 1,800 TEU bangkokmax newbuilds. Market talk suggests the Aristides Pittas-led company has lined up Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) for the pair, with deliveries pencilled in for 2028.
Some sources indicate the deal is still being finalised, while others describe it as firm. Pricing has not been disclosed, but the ships are expected to come in at around $32m each, broadly in line with recent contracts for standard designs in this size bracket.
The move comes amid a strong wave of feeder renewal demand. With operators planning to retire older tonnage, both mainline carriers and regional players are tapping Chinese yard capacity for short to mid-haul routes. Competitive pricing in China is making newbuilds attractive for European and Asian shareholding owners.
Euroseas is among the mid-sized operators pursuing selective newbuild and secondhand purchases in recent years to modernise its fleet. The owner's choice of the 1,800 TEU bracket is seen as a balanced positioning strategy for short-haul trade and regional feeder routes.
Key Takeaways:
1. Euroseas has ordered two 1,800 TEU bangkokmax container vessels at Nantong CIMC SOE.
2. Deliveries are pencilled in for 2028, with per-vessel cost expected at around $32 million.
3. Some broker sources say the deal is still being finalised while others describe it as firm.
4. The move aligns with strong feeder renewal demand from both mainline carriers and regional operators.
5. Competitive pricing at Chinese yards is making newbuilds attractive for mid-sized European and Asian shareholding owners.
