Several developments in the containership market have emerged, ranging from newbuilding upgrades and fresh vessel orders to a casualty involving an MSC ship, according to DynaLiners.
MSC has increased the planned capacity of nine newbuildings currently under construction in China. Meanwhile, Wan Hai and Blue Ocean Shipping have placed new vessel orders. Separately, the 8,400 TEU MSC Silvana VIII has become largely submerged near Zhoushan following unsuccessful salvage efforts.
MSC upgrades nine newbuildings to 21,700 TEU
MSC has upgraded nine of the twelve containerships it ordered in 2024 and which are currently under construction at Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard.
According to DynaLiners, the vessels were originally designed with a capacity of 19,000 TEU. Their capacity will now increase to 21,700 TEU.
The larger capacity will be achieved through changes to the vessels’ main dimensions.
Breadth will increase from 58.8 metres to 61.3 metres. Moulded depth will rise from 30.2 metres to 33.2 metres.
At the same time, design draught will increase from 17 metres to 18 metres.
The changes will allow the vessels to carry more containers and increase deadweight capacity.
Wan Hai orders eight containerships
Wan Hai has ordered eight new containerships from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.
The order includes one vessel of 9,200 TEU and seven ships of 11,000 TEU.
The 9,200 TEU vessel will be methanol-ready.
Meanwhile, the seven 11,000 TEU ships will feature LNG dual-fuel capability and will also be methanol-ready.
The order adds further newbuilding capacity to Wan Hai’s fleet development programme.
Blue Ocean Shipping orders first newbuilding
Blue Ocean Shipping has placed its first newbuilding order.
The company is a joint venture between Samudera Shipping and Imoto Corp, with ownership split 51%-49%.
According to DynaLiners, the company has ordered a 700 TEU containership from Ningbo Xinle Shipbuilding.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery during the first half of 2028.
MSC Silvana VIII largely submerged near Zhoushan
The 8,400 TEU containership is owned by MSC and was built in 2006.
The vessel arrived at Jinhai Heavy Industry on 22 June for maintenance.
However, it grounded twice during Typhoon Bavi in mid-July.
Tugs successfully refloated the vessel after the first grounding. Shortly afterwards, though, it stranded again.
Following the second incident, the stern, engine room and several cargo holds flooded.
A major refloating attempt on 4 August was unsuccessful. The vessel later settled deeper in the water.
MSC Silvana VIII was not in service at the time of the incident. Therefore, no containers were onboard.
