Hong Kong-based owner EGPN has placed its first containership newbuilding order, contracting a pair of 1,900 TEU vessels at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding for delivery in 2029, according to Splash247.
EGPN's Entry into Container Shipping
The order marks EGPN's first known move into the containership segment, adding another vessel type to what has been an active fleet expansion programme. Over the past year, EGPN has been one of the more active Chinese-linked private owners in the newbuilding market, Splash247 reported. In April, the company ordered four 50,000 dwt MR tankers at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2028. EGPN has also been tied to oil and chemical tanker tonnage in China, as well as dry bulk investments.
Details of the Order
The two feeder vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2029. The order is placed at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, a Guangzhou-based yard that has built a strong position in the 1,900 TEU feeder segment with its Swan design. The Swan series is used in regional and shortsea trades.
| Order Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Buyer | EGPN (Hong Kong) |
| Yard | CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding |
| Vessel type | 1,900 TEU feeder containership (Swan design) |
| Quantity | 2 firm |
| Delivery | 2029 |
Huangpu Wenchong's Feeder Dominance
The Guangzhou-based CSSC yard has seen a steady run of fresh Chinese contracts this year, particularly for the 1,900 TEU feeder segment. Splash247 reported in March that South Korea's Namsung Shipping and Dongyoung Shipping had turned to Huangpu Wenchong for new tonnage, including two 1,900 TEU feeder vessels. Ningbo Ocean Shipping has also lined up four firm 1,900 TEU vessels with options for two more as part of a wider fleet renewal push. Last month, Splash247 reported that 1,900 TEU feeder ships at Huangpu Wenchong had also been linked to Greece's OceanV Maritime and a joint order involving Erasmus Shipinvest and CULines.
Implications for the Feeder Market
EGPN's move adds another newcomer to the feeder orderbook, as owners outside the traditional liner sector continue to place capital behind smaller boxship tonnage. The feeder segment remains active with fresh orders, particularly at Huangpu Wenchong, indicating sustained demand for regional and shortsea vessels. For logistics operators, this signals growing availability of modern feeder capacity in the coming years, which could affect charter rates and service options on intra-Asia and other shortsea lanes. However, with deliveries not expected until 2029, near-term supply impacts are minimal. EGPN's diversification into container shipping suggests confidence in the long-term prospects of the feeder market, driven by ongoing regional trade growth and the need to replace aging tonnage.
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