Erasmus Shipinvest is expanding its feeder fleet with a fresh order at a Chinese yard, signaling continued investment in small container vessels that serve regional and transshipment networks.
Order Details
Athens-based Erasmus Shipinvest, led by John Su, has returned to CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding for two firm 1,900 teu feeder containerships, with options for two additional vessels, according to Splash247. The contract was signed in Dalian with Huangpu Wenchong and CSSC Trading. Financial terms and delivery dates have not been disclosed.
The ships are based on Huangpu Wenchong’s Swan feeder design, a series that has seen 30 deliveries and has another 44 vessels on order, per the report.
This is Erasmus’ third recorded newbuilding deal with the Guangzhou-based yard this year. The prior orders included:
| Deal | Date | Vessel Type | Firm | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 2026 | 1,800 teu feeders | 2 | 2 | First deal with Huangpu Wenchong |
| 2 | June 2026 | 1,900 teu feeders | 2 | 2 | Joint order with China United Lines; $32m per unit |
| 3 | July 2026 | 1,900 teu feeders | 2 | 2 | Current order |
The three agreements bring the total cooperation between Erasmus and Huangpu Wenchong to six firm ships and six options, according to Splash247.
Expansion Beyond Huangpu Wenchong
Erasmus has also been expanding elsewhere in China. The diversified owner has been linked to four firm and two optional 2,400 teu feeders at Taizhou Sanfu and recently firmed up all eight 82,000 dwt kamsarmaxes ordered at Jiangsu New Hantong, according to the article.
Implications for Logistics Operations
For freight forwarders and ocean carriers, the addition of feeder capacity is a positive sign for vessel availability on short-sea and intra-regional routes. Feeder vessels like the 1,900 teu Swan design are critical for connecting secondary ports to major hub terminals, particularly in Asia and Europe. While the newbuildings will take time to deliver (delivery dates are undisclosed), the order book at Huangpu Wenchong—with 44 vessels already on order—indicates sustained interest in this vessel class.
The fact that Erasmus has placed three separate orders with the same yard suggests a strong relationship and confidence in the Swan design. For shippers, this could eventually translate into more efficient feeder services and potentially lower transshipment costs, although no direct rate impact is reported yet.
Watch List
- Delivery dates for the latest order: once announced, they will indicate when the new capacity enters the market.
- Execution of options: if Erasmus exercises the options on any of its contracts, the total feeder fleet growth will accelerate.
- Progress at other Chinese yards: the orders at Taizhou Sanfu and Jiangsu New Hantong will also contribute to Erasmus’ fleet expansion.
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