Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC continues to expand its large fleet of LNG dual-fuel containerships with a new order in China.
According to a statement by Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard, it has secured a new order from MSC to build 12 LNG dual-fuel vessels for MSC.
The containerships will have a capacity of 19,000 teu.
The shipbuilder did not reveal the price tag or the delivery dates of the vessels.
Zhoushan Changhong is already building a fleet of LNG-powered vessels for MSC.
Last year, MSC ordered ten LNG dual-fuel 11,500-teu vessels at the shipbuilder and after that added ten LNG dual-fuel 11,300-teu vessels.
The shipbuilder will deliver the first batch of the vessels in 2025 and 2026 and the other ten ships during the second half of 2026 and 2027.
According to VesselsValue data, the containerships are each worth between $120-130 million.
CIMC ORIC, a unit of China International Marine Containers (CIMC), designed these containerships.
CIMC is a shareholder in Zhoushan Changhong via its leasing unit.
The 335 meters long and 45.6 meters wide ships will have a design speed of 20 knots.
Zhoushan Changhong previously said that these 11,500-teu vessels will feature the largest type C LNG fuel storage tank in its class, allowing them to complete a single round trip on China-Europe or China-US routes.
The company said in the statement it has held a keel-laying ceremony for the third and the fourth 11,500-teu ship.