Recent newbuilding market orders have consistently centered on feeder vessels, a trend driven by strong regional trade performance and fleet renewal needs. South Korean regional shipping company KMTC has ordered six 1,900 teu feeder ships from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD-HHI), with delivery expected in 2028. The total investment is $305.1 million, and the vessels will be deployed on intra-Asia routes. These ships will be built at the site of the former HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, which was merged into HD-HHI last December.
Shanghai Jinjiang Shipping (JJ Shipping), a subsidiary of Shanghai International Port Group, has signed an order for four 1,900 teu feeder ships at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, with options for four additional vessels. JJ Shipping is expanding its intra-Asia route network, and the newbuildings will support more services connecting East Asia and Southeast Asia. The company currently ranks 32nd among the largest shipping lines, operating 54 vessels with a total capacity of 63,537 teu, with a balanced mix of owned and chartered tonnage.
COSCO Group continues to advance battery-powered shipping, commissioning a 540 teu battery-powered vessel through its affiliate COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Guangdong), with delivery expected in 2027. This vessel will be similar to the existing two 700 teu battery-powered ships and is planned for operation on China's inland waterways. In the larger vessel segment, South Korea's HJ Shipbuilding has secured its first order for 10,000 teu ships from an undisclosed European owner, priced at $120.6 million each. According to *The Loadstar*, the client is likely the Greek non-operating owner Navios Maritime Partners, with delivery expected in 2028.
MB Shipbrokers stated: "Although some market views predict a potential slowdown in the overall container market in 2026, strong demand for newbuildings in the tanker and LNG carrier sectors is expected to maintain price stability for a period, even if demand softens." The focus on feeder vessels in the newbuilding market reflects active regional trade and fleet renewal demands, a trend expected to continue influencing industry dynamics.
