Greek owner Minerva Dry has returned to China's Hengli Heavy Industries for another series of containership newbuildings, adding to a rapidly growing boxship orderbook, according to Splash247.
The Andreas Martinos-led company booked a batch of Hengli's in-house-designed 3,100 teu vessels, according to an August 2 update from the Chinese shipbuilding group covering contracts secured during July. Splash247 reported that Hengli did not disclose the number of ships, price, or delivery schedule. The design has been developed for regional services and feeder fleet renewal, the outlet noted.
New order at Hengli Heavy Industries
The new batch continues a rapid expansion of Minerva Dry's containership orderbook in China. Weeks before this deal, Minerva placed four conventionally fuelled 6,000 teu ships at the same Dalian yard, according to Splash247. That quartet is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and is estimated to be worth around $320m.
Hengli's 3,100 teu design is aimed at regional services and feeder fleet renewal, Splash247 reported. This makes the newbuildings relevant for feeder operators and freight forwarders focused on short-sea and regional container networks, since the design slot sits between the 1,800 teu feeders and the 6,000 teu intermediate ships in Minerva's programme.
Expanding boxship orderbook
Before the latest order, Minerva already had 13 containerships under construction in China, according to Splash247. The programme included:
- Four 6,000 teu ships at Hengli Heavy Industries in Dalian
- Five 3,100 teu vessels at Penglai Jinglu
- Four 1,800 teu feeders split between Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and Huanghai Shipbuilding
| Vessel class | Yard | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 6,000 teu | Hengli Heavy Industries (Dalian) | 4 |
| 3,100 teu | Penglai Jinglu | 5 |
| 1,800 teu | Yangzijiang Shipbuilding / Huanghai Shipbuilding | 4 |
| Total | 13 |
The latest undisclosed number of 3,100 teu vessels at Hengli will be added to this 13-ship programme, based on the July contract activity reported by Hengli on August 2, according to Splash247. No price, hull count, or delivery slots were included in the update.
Existing fleet and investment
Minerva operates close to 10 containerships ranging from around 1,760 teu to 2,400 teu, having built its presence in the sector through a combination of newbuildings and secondhand acquisitions, according to Splash247. The company's investment in container tonnage stands at roughly $1bn.
The existing operating fleet is concentrated in the smaller intermediate band, while the newbuild programme reaches into larger tonnage. The four 6,000 teu ships are due in 2028; Splash247's source did not provide delivery dates for the 3,100 teu series at Penglai Jinglu or for the latest Hengli batch, nor for the 1,800 teu feeders.
Feeder and regional capacity context
The disclosed orderbook spans four Chinese yards: Hengli Heavy Industries in Dalian, Penglai Jinglu, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, and Huanghai Shipbuilding. Splash247 reported that the 3,100 teu design was developed for regional services and feeder fleet renewal, meaning the newbuildings are designated for regional-service and feeder replacement roles. The orderbook as disclosed covers the 1,800 teu feeder band through the 6,000 teu intermediate segment, based on the vessel classes reported by Splash247.
The four 6,000 teu vessels are scheduled for 2028 delivery. Splash247 did not provide delivery dates for the five Penglai Jinglu 3,100 teu ships, the four 1,800 teu feeders, or the latest Hengli batch. The absence of published delivery schedules means feeder and regional capacity entry timing has not been established in the source reporting.
Watch list
- Number, price, and delivery schedule for the newly ordered Hengli 3,100 teu batch — not disclosed in the August 2 update.
- Delivery dates for the five Penglai Jinglu 3,100 teu ships and the four 1,800 teu feeders.
- Whether Minerva Dry places additional orders at Hengli or other Chinese yards; the August 2 update covered contracts secured during July only, per Splash247.
Sources:
