Eastern Pacific lines up feeder boxship series at Mawei
Eastern Pacific Shipping Expands Feeder Fleet with New Orders
Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) is making significant strides in the feeder container market by placing a substantial newbuilding order at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding in China. The company has secured contracts for 12 vessels, each with a capacity of 1,800 TEU, and has options for an additional six ships, bringing the total potential value of the deal to approximately $680 million. This strategic move positions EPS among the growing number of companies investing in modern feeder designs, responding to steady demand in regional shipping trades.
Details of the Newbuilding Contracts
Industry sources indicate that the price per vessel is estimated to be between $30 million and $31 million, which aligns with the costs associated with conventionally fueled shipping vessels. However, there are discussions around the possibility of integrating LNG dual-fuel configurations for these new ships. This potential shift is noteworthy, particularly given EPS’s association with CMA CGM, a key player in the shipping industry known for its collaboration with EPS on container tonnage.
This latest order comes on the heels of EPS’s previous contract for six vessels of similar size at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. Together, these orders indicate a clear strategic intent by EPS to strengthen its foothold in the feeder segment. As demand for feeder services continues to rise, EPS is joining a growing cohort of shipping companies eager to modernize their fleets to meet the evolving needs of the market.
The recent surge in newbuilding contracts reflects a dynamic period in the boxship market. Reports suggest that shipowners are actively seeking to secure remaining delivery slots for 2028. According to MB Shipbrokers, there is an expectation of further announcements related to new orders in the latter half of August, highlighting the ongoing interest and activity in the sector.
