Zhonggu Logistics has ordered six 6,000 TEU containerships from Hengli Heavy Industry, marking its first newbuilding initiative in years.
Chinese carrier Zhonggu Logistics has placed an order for up to six 6,000 TEU containerships at Hengli Heavy Industry, marking its first newbuilding move in several years, reported Singapore's Splash 247.
The Shanghai-listed company confirmed four firm orders with options for two more units. The vessels will be built by Hengli Heavy Industry, part of Songfa Ceramics, which disclosed the deal via an exchange filing.
The contract value was estimated to be between CNY3.4 billion and CNY4 billion, including tax, equivalent to US$489 million to US$576 million. Zhonggu Logistics separately stated that the order would not exceed CNY3.48 billion excluding tax, or roughly US$501 million.
The ships will be operated by Zhonggu Shipping, the company’s vessel-owning arm, and are intended to reinforce its position in China’s domestic and regional container trades.
According to Alphaliner, Zhonggu Logistics currently runs 62 ships with a combined capacity of 53,664 TEU. Its last major newbuilding programme was in 2021, when it ordered 4,600-TEU vessels at about US$35 million apiece.
