Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 18, Norwegian container shipping company MPC Container Ships (MPCC) announced on Monday that it has signed contracts with China’s Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry for the construction of four 4,500 TEU container vessels. Each vessel is valued at $58 million, and the agreement includes options for two additional units at the same price. The first containership is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2028.

Each vessel will operate under a 10-year time charter with extension options for a global liner company. The vessel design and commercial structure were optimized collaboratively with the charterer to ensure efficiency in network operations, long-term sustainability, and operational performance.

The new boxships will incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies, which are expected to reduce slot costs by approximately 50% compared with similar-sized vessels. MPCC stated that this investment aligns with its ongoing transition toward a younger, more efficient, and environmentally compliant fleet, reducing exposure to regulatory and environmental risks.

The project will be financed through a balanced mix of equity and debt, ensuring financial flexibility while maintaining a prudent capital structure.

MPCC CEO Constantin Baack said: “Our fleet renewal strategy continues to gain momentum with this latest initiative. I would like to thank the teams on both sides for the constructive dialogue and the trustful cooperation over the past months, which has been essential in bringing this project to fruition. With today’s announcement, MPCC has secured 10 newbuildings with attached charters this year.”

This follows MPCC’s recent order for two eco-friendly 1,600 TEU containerships from China, combined with eight-year charters. These high cube vessels are being built at the Fujian Mawei Shipyard with deliveries expected in the second half of 2027.

MPCC emphasized that the new orders are part of a broader strategy to modernize its fleet, improve operational efficiency, and enhance environmental performance. The incorporation of energy-efficient technologies and long-term charters ensures predictable revenue streams while supporting the company’s sustainability objectives.

By investing in both medium- and smaller-sized vessels, MPCC aims to strengthen its service offerings across global liner networks and maintain competitiveness in an evolving container shipping market. The company continues to focus on fleet renewal initiatives, balancing growth with financial discipline and environmental responsibility.

With these newbuild projects, MPCC is advancing its commitment to operational excellence, sustainable shipping practices, and delivering value to both customers and shareholders, while reinforcing its presence in the global container shipping industry.