MSC orders eight additional 11,500-TEU dual-fuel ships at Jinglu Shipyard, boosting its fleet and commitment to alternative fuels.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has exercised options for eight additional 11,500-TEU dual-fuel containerships at China's Penglai Jinglu Shipyard, reports Singapore's Splash 247.
This move lifts the series to 16 vessels, following an initial order placed in 2024. Market sources estimate contract prices at US$135 million to $140 million per ship, bringing the programme's total value to approximately $2.2 billion. Deliveries are scheduled through 2029.
The new ships are expected to match the original batch in design and specifications, with LNG dual-fuel propulsion being central to the series. This order underscores MSC's commitment to alternative-fuel tonnage, despite softer conditions in the liner market.
The deal adds to MSC's recent newbuilding activity. The carrier has also ordered mid-sized ships at China's Yangzhou Guoyu Shipyard, with at least two firm 5,000-TEU units and options for more. Those conventionally fuelled vessels are expected to be delivered from late 2028, with pricing reported to be below $60 million.
MSC already holds the industry's largest order book, exceeding 2.1 million TEU—nearly 30 percent of its fleet capacity. Most of the pipeline is concentrated in ships of 10,000 TEU and above, reaching up to 24,000 TEU. Simultaneously, the Geneva-based carrier has remained active in the secondhand market, acquiring sub-10,000-TEU vessels to support regional and feeder trades.
