MONACO shipowner Scorpio Group has reportedly signed orders for three 19,200-TEU ships from Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries for charter to Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC).
Scorpio boxship foray said to include order for three new 19,200-TEUersMONACO shipowner Scorpio Group has reportedly signed orders for three 19,200-TEU ships from Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries for charter to Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC).
But the orders have not been announced to the Korean Stock Exchange - a sign that they have not yet taken effect, reported Lloyd's List.
This follows weeks of speculation about the deal this summer. Scorpio, which has been active in the tanker and dry bulk markets, has now about to buy the biggest containerships ever ordered.
The size is still below the 20,000-TEU mark of earlier reports, but it is understood that the exact dimensions and the number of vessels could be increased. Deliveries are expected within 2016.
Costing US$153 million a piece, MSC has is taking the ships on bareboat charter for up to 15 years. The bareboat contracts indicate that Scorpio seems to have no immediate plans to create a boxship operating unit.