South Korea's CK Line has signed a contract with China's Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding for up to four 6,400 teu containerships, marking the largest vessels ever ordered by the Seoul-based regional carrier and a significant step change in its fleet capacity, according to Splash247 Maritime.
The order comprises two firm 6,400 teu newbuilds plus options for another two, concluded under a contract with Huangpu Wenchong and China Shipbuilding Trading, Splash247 reported. Financial terms and delivery dates were not disclosed. The vessels have been developed by CSSC's 708 Research Institute and will be equipped with around 1,150 reefer plugs, targeting growing demand for refrigerated cargo trades, the report said.
Vessel order details
The latest contract follows the delivery of two 2,700 teu containerships from Huangpu Wenchong to CK Line in 2025 and marks another repeat order win for the Guangzhou-based yard as it strengthens its position in the midsize containership market, according to Splash247.
| Vessel class | Size (teu) | Reefer plugs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing fleet range | ~500 to 2,700 | Not specified | In service |
| Newbuilds (firm) | 6,400 | ~1,150 each | Ordered |
| Newbuilds (options) | 6,400 | ~1,150 each | Optional |
Reefer capacity and cargo implications
The inclusion of around 1,150 reefer plugs per vessel is a notable feature for shippers of refrigerated goods. Splash247 reported the design targets growing demand for refrigerated cargo trades, which could expand the carrier's capability to handle temperature-controlled containers on its regional services.
Fleet expansion and regional trades
Founded in 1962, CK Line has grown into one of South Korea's leading regional container carriers, operating services linking Korea with China, Japan, Southeast Asia and Russia, according to Splash247. The company currently deploys a fleet of more than 30 boxships, ranging from about 500 teu to 2,700 teu, alongside several bulk carriers. The 6,400 teu newbuilds will therefore represent a step change in its fleet, becoming the largest vessels ever ordered by the Seoul-based carrier and significantly expanding its capacity on regional trades.
Shipper and operator takeaways
For freight forwarders and shippers using CK Line's services between Korea, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and Russia, the newbuild programme signals an increase in slot capacity and dedicated reefer space on those lanes once the vessels enter service. The repeat order at Huangpu Wenchong also points to an extended commercial relationship between the Korean carrier and the Chinese yard, which could influence future midsize containership pricing and availability in the region.
The 6,400 teu newbuilds will be the largest vessels ever ordered by the Seoul-based carrier.
Watch list
- Delivery dates for the two firm vessels and the two options were not disclosed in the Splash247 report; these will determine when the capacity enters the market.
- Whether CK Line exercises the options for the additional two 6,400 teu ships remains open, pending the company's capacity plans.
- Huangpu Wenchong's continued success in the midsize containership segment could affect newbuilding slot availability for other regional carriers.
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