Norwegian container tonnage provider MPC Container Ships (MPCC) has signed contracts with China’s Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry for the construction of four 4,500 TEU container vessels. The contract price per vessel is $58 million, with options for two additional ships at the same price.
The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2028. Each ship will operate under a 10-year time charter, with extension options, for an undisclosed global liner company. Vessel design and commercial structure were collaboratively optimized with the charterer to ensure compatibility with its network, operational profile, and long-term sustainability goals.
The boxships will incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies, reducing slot costs by approximately 50% compared with similar-sized vessels. MPCC highlighted that the investment supports its ongoing fleet renewal, creating a younger, more efficient, and environmentally compliant fleet while mitigating regulatory and environmental risks.
The project will be financed through a balanced mix of equity and debt, maintaining financial flexibility and a prudent capital structure, according to MPCC.
“Our fleet renewal strategy continues to gain momentum with this latest initiative,” said Constantin Baack, CEO of MPCC. “I would like to thank the teams on both sides for the constructive dialogue and trustful cooperation over the past months. With today’s announcement, MPCC has secured 10 newbuildings with attached charters this year.”
This follows MPCC’s recent order in China for two eco-friendly 1,600 TEU high-cube container vessels, built at Fujian Mawei Shipyard with deliveries scheduled in the second half of 2027, each paired with eight-year charters.