George Economou's TMS Group orders up to 10 LNG dual-fuel containerships, doubling its orderbook amid market confidence, reports Splash 247.
Greek shipowner George Economou's TMS Group is significantly expanding its containership fleet with a new series of LNG dual-fuel vessels at Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard in China, according to a report by Singapore's Splash 247.
Industry sources indicate that TMS is planning to order up to 10 neo-panamax vessels, each with a capacity of 11,400 TEU. This includes eight firm orders and two options, with deliveries expected in 2028. This move effectively doubles the group's containership orderbook at the yard.
Earlier this year, Economou placed a similar series of orders at Zhoushan Changhong, with each vessel valued at approximately US$140 million. While those orders were backed by charters, it remains unclear if the new batch will be tied to contracts.
Analysts estimate that this latest commitment, valued at around US$3 billion when combined with recent boxship deals, underscores continued confidence in the market despite ongoing global uncertainties.
In addition to expanding its containership fleet, Economou has also made strides in other sectors in 2025, securing newbuildings for LNG carriers at Samsung Heavy Industries and VLCC slots at Hengli Heavy Industry, signaling a comprehensive push across the shipping spectrum.
