Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Signs Newbuilding Order with Hengli Heavy Industry

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has taken another important step in its newbuilding programme, signing its first order with Hengli Heavy Industries. Headquarters's Swiss-based shipping giant has ordered a series of 10 21,000 equivalent-equivalent container (TEU) LNG dual-fuel containerships for delivery expected in 2027.

The exact amount of the deal has not been disclosed, but based on the latest shipbuilding trends, the total order value could exceed $2.5 billion. This order is reached on the basis of the strategic cooperation framework agreement signed by the two companies in August, which covers various fields such as newbuilding, engine manufacturing, and ship repair and modification.

Led by Soren Toft, MSC has a fleet of more than six million teu, accounting for 20% of the global operating container fleet. As the world's largest Container shipping company, MSC signed several large orders at Chinese yards this summer. Prior to the latest deal, the company already had around 130 vessels in its orderbook, which are expected to add 1.8 million teu of capacity to the fleet over the next few years, according to Alphaliner.

In related newbuild containership news, there are market rumors that German shipping company Hapag Lloyd plans to order a series of 9,000 teu and 17,000 teu LNG dual-fuel vessels at Chinese shipyards, with letters of intent expected to be signed in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, an unnamed Greek shipowner is in talks with the Korean yard to order a 16,000 teu newbuilding, which is expected to be delivered in 2027.

For fast-growing Hengli Heavy Industry, the deal with MSC marks its first containership order. Hengli Heavy Industries, formerly known as STX Dalian, has also recently reserved four VLCC (Very Large Tanker) newbuilding slots for Hengli Group, its parent company's second order for very large tankers, which are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.