News / 'Feeder frenzy' still dominating global vessel orderbook

Green Dawn, one of XT's Shipping's last orders Photo: VesselFinder

Mid-sized and feeder ships continue to dominate the newbuilding scene.

Eastern Pacific Shipping and XT Shipping, both controlled by Israeli tycoon Idan Ofer, have ordered up to eight 3,100 teu ships at China Merchants Jinling Shipbuilding (Weihai).

There are four firm orders and options for four more ships. The firm orders are to be delivered between 2027 and 2028, with each ship priced around $43m.

It is the first time since 2018 that XT Shipping has ordered newbuildings. But Eastern Pacific has been more active, and has commissioned several 6,000 teu and 1,800 teu ships so far this year.

Making a similar contract is Greek owner Chartworld Shipping, which has inked four firm orders for 3,100 teu ships, with options for another four, at revived Chinese shipbuilder Yangzhou Guoyu. Chartworld has reportedly sealed delivery in 2028, with each ship priced at $41m.

In September, Chartworld ordered two similar-sized vessels at New Dayang Shipbuilding, with options for another two.

Shandong Port Group’s feeder operating subsidiary, Shandong Marine, has commissioned a 1,900 teu pair at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding.

Finally, MPC Container Ships has booked two 1,600 teu ships at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding, with options for four more. The firm orders have been fixed to an unnamed liner operator for eight years, with options to extend the hire for two years. MPC said the vessels were designed for intra-north Europe trades.

The charters will generate revenue of $92m, while pre-tax earnings are expected to be $54m.

MPC co-CEO Constantin Baack said: “We are pleased to mark another step in the transformation of our fleet. This transaction is part of our long-term fleet renewal strategy, designed to generate sustainable value through modernisation and optimisation.”

Clarksons analyst Trevor Crowe described 2025 as a firm year for feeder ship orders. He said in a recent report: “Rekindled feeder newbuild interest has emerged despite uncertainty in the container sector around geopolitics. With charter earnings still firm, tonnage providers have re-entered the market, mainly with ‘speculative’ orders, but there’re also some orders connected to liner companies’ fleet renewal programmes.

“Regional operators have also placed orders. Major liners remain unlikely to order conventional fuel feeders for their own account, but opportunities clearly exist for tonnage providers, and shipyard space for feeders has been available for 2027-28 delivery.”

Mr Crowe said the average age of sub-3,000 teu ships justified their renewal. Close to 31% of sub-3,000 teu units are 20+ years old (17% at 25+ years).