MPC Container Ships orders six vessels with long-term charters

Norway’s MPC Container Ships ASA (MPCC) has inked contracts with Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering in China for the construction of six 3,700-teu container vessels, scheduled for first delivery in the second half of 2028.Each vessel will be fixed on a 10-year time charter, with extension options, to a top-five liner company, according to MPCC.

The vessels are based on the newest design, which optimizes speed and fuel consumption for regional and feeder trades, while keeping enough flexibility to shift between trade lanes as markets evolve. They are also prepared for alternative fuels and advanced emissions-reduction technologies, allowing the vessels to adapt to tightening environmental rules over their lifetime, the company said.

The project carries a total investment of $292.5m. MPCC said the initial charter period is expected to generate approximately $479m in revenue and around $288m in EBITDA.

Financing will be split between equity and debt, which offers, as the company says, financial flexibility and a prudent capital structure.

Alongside the newbuilding order, MPCC has established a 50/50 joint venture with Uthalden. The JV will own two