Container carrier Ningbo Ocean Shipping (NBOSCO) has firmed up a four-ship feeder newbuilding programme at CSSC's Wuchang Shipbuilding, committing RMB832m ($123m) to the quartet, according to Splash247. The Shanghai-listed carrier, controlled by Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, signed separate contracts through four wholly owned subsidiaries with Wuchang Shipbuilding and China Shipbuilding Trading for one 1,900 TEU ship each, the maritime news outlet reported.
The deal at a glance
Splash247 reported the following commercial terms for the newbuilding programme:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ships ordered | Four 1,900 TEU feeder vessels |
| Contract value | RMB832m ($123m) |
| Price per vessel | RMB208m |
| Deadweight | 23,950 dwt (deadweight tonnes) |
| Dimensions | Around 172 m long, 27.5 m wide |
| Delivery window | Across 2028 and 2029 |
| Options | Two additional ships |
Contract background and vessel design
The latest contracts put hard numbers and delivery dates on a programme first unveiled in March, when the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port-controlled carrier earmarked up to RMB1.7bn for four firm ships plus two options, Splash247 reported. Wuchang was selected through a tender in May, followed by a strategic cooperation agreement between the two companies covering shipbuilding and the development of greener vessel designs.
The 1,900 TEU ships have been designed for regional trades where shallow ports and restricted waterways limit vessel size, according to Splash247. Their 27.5 m beam and roughly 172 m length are tailored to the constraints of those routes.
Orderbook context
The new feeder programme adds to NBOSCO's expansion at Huangpu Wenchong, where the carrier has four 2,700 TEU newbuilds contracted for RMB1.184bn and another four 4,300 TEU ships ordered for RMB1.639bn, Splash247 reported.
According to Alphaliner, as cited by Splash247, NBOSCO's orderbook now comprises a total of 20 ships of three size classes. The breakdown is:
- Eight 4,300 TEU vessels from Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard
- Four 2,700 TEU vessels from Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard
- Eight bangkokmax vessels from Wuchang Shipyard
Filings with the Shanghai Stock Exchange earlier this month show the carrier is also considering further fleet expansion in the 1,900 TEU-2,700 TEU vessel range, according to Splash247.
Implications for shippers and forwarders
For freight forwarders and shippers relying on NBOSCO feeder services, the order confirms additional lift on shallow-water regional lanes during the 2028-2029 delivery window. The four firm vessels will be spread across 2028 and 2029, while the two options would expand the series to six ships if exercised.
The simultaneous build-out at Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard — with larger 4,300 TEU and 2,700 TEU tonnage — means NBOSCO will phase new capacity into its network across multiple size classes over the same period. Logistics operators moving cargo through Ningbo-Zhoushan, the carrier's controlling port, should track the delivery schedule and any exercise of options when planning forward feeder capacity.
Recommended monitoring points:
- Whether NBOSCO exercises the two optional 1,900 TEU vessels
- Further order announcements in the 1,900 TEU-2,700 TEU range flagged in Shanghai Stock Exchange filings
- Development work on greener vessel designs under the NBOSCO-Wuchang strategic cooperation agreement
- Delivery slots across 2028 and 2029 for the four firm vessels
Watch list
- Option exercise: NBOSCO retains options for two additional ships beyond the four firm orders, according to Splash247.
- Fleet expansion signals: Shanghai Stock Exchange filings this month show the carrier considering more vessels in the 1,900 TEU-2,700 TEU range.
- Green design cooperation: The strategic agreement with Wuchang covers greener vessel designs, which could shape future newbuild specifications.
- Delivery timing: The four firm vessels are scheduled for delivery across 2028 and 2029, and Alphaliner's orderbook count of 20 ships covers deliveries from both Guangzhou Wenchong and Wuchang shipyards.
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