News / Container lines still ordering more ships, despite falling spot rates

Liner operators and non-operating shipowners have continued to add to their already swollen orderbooks, despite rapidly falling spot freight rate levels.

Hong Kong-based intra-Asia carrier SITC Container Lines today exercised options for two more 1,800 teu ships at China’s Huanghai Shipbuilding, adding to the six contracted last year, each costing around $29m.

The vessels previously ordered are expected to be delivered between 2026 and August 2027 and the additional ships are estimated to hit the water at the end of 2027.

SITC now ...