Dubai-based shipowner Emarat Maritime is expanding its containership fleet with an order for up to six feeder vessels from a Chinese yard, adding 930 TEU per ship on delivery in 2028, according to Splash247.
Order Details
According to Clarksons Research, Emarat Maritime has contracted three firm 930 TEU vessels with options for a further three units. The firm vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028. No price has been revealed for the order, placed at Guangji Xinneng Shipbuilding in China. Broker Braemar noted that the owner opted for newbuildings after spending years assessing opportunities in the secondhand market.
| Vessel Category | Quantity | Capacity (TEU) | Delivery Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firm | 3 | 930 | 2028 |
| Options | 3 | 930 | Not disclosed |
Company Background
Headquartered in Dubai, Emarat Maritime operates a fleet of 19 vessels spanning the tanker, dry bulk, and container sectors. The privately owned company controls LR1 and LR2 tankers, supramax and ultramax bulk carriers, and a handful of containerships, while also maintaining an active newbuilding programme. While best known as a tanker and dry bulk owner, the UAE company already operates a small containership fleet and has been steadily broadening its interests beyond its traditional markets, the report stated.
Operational Impact
The order will bolster Emarat Maritime’s existing container shipping activities. Feeder vessels of 930 TEU are typically deployed on regional hub-and-spoke networks, connecting major transshipment hubs to smaller ports. For freight forwarders and logistics managers, additional feeder capacity on specific lanes (not yet announced) could provide more options for moving containers between mainline ports and secondary destinations. However, with delivery not expected until 2028, the immediate effect on current capacity constraints or rate levels is negligible. The choice of newbuildings over secondhand tonnage suggests a long-term commitment to the container sector, likely driven by stable or growing demand on feeder routes.
Broader Strategy
Emarat Maritime’s move aligns with a trend of diversified shipowners adding container exposure. The company’s existing fleet includes a mix of tanker and dry bulk vessels, and the new order signals confidence in the feeder segment. Broker Braemar highlighted that the owner had been assessing secondhand market opportunities before deciding on newbuildings, indicating a preference for modern, fuel-efficient tonnage. The yard choice — Guangji Xinneng — is a Chinese shipbuilder known for smaller vessel series, though no further details on specifications or financing were disclosed.
Watch List
- Delivery timeline: The firm vessels are due in 2028; any delays or acceleration will affect market supply.
- Option exercise: If Emarat Maritime exercises the options for three additional units, the total order would reach six vessels, doubling the feeder capacity addition.
- Route deployment: Once operational, the vessels’ deployment will determine which regional markets benefit from the additional capacity.
- Secondhand market activity: The decision to order newbuildings may reduce Emarat Maritime’s appetite for secondhand acquisitions in the feeder segment, potentially softening demand for older tonnage.
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