EPS tied to fresh contracts for up to 16 box ships, Euroseas adds two 

Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has reportedly placed orders for up to 16 6,000-TEU container vessels, split between Hengli Heavy Industry and CMJL Jiangsu. Each contract is understood to include four firm units plus four optional, with deliveries scheduled through the end of 2027. Some shipbrokers estimate the price per vessel at around US$78M.

The reported orders build on EPS’s recent collaboration with Hengli, which involved up to four LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers. Earlier this month, shipbroking sources also suggested the owner was close to finalising additional feeder container vessel contracts in China.

EPS is currently pursuing an extensive newbuilding programme that spans most major shipping segments.

Euroseas strengthens orderbook

Separately, Aristides Pittas-led Euroseas has signed a contract with Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding for two additional 4,300-TEU modern, fuel-efficient container vessels. These will be sister ships to the pair ordered by the company in October 2024.

Each vessel is priced at just over US$59M, with deliveries expected by May 2028. The US-listed container specialist intends to finance the orders through a mix of debt and equity.

With this latest move, Euroseas now has an orderbook of four 4,300-TEU container ships, complementing its active fleet of 22 vessels with a combined capacity of 67,494 TEU.

“We are committed to growing and modernising our fleet, and we believe that investing in eco intermediate-sized container ships – a segment with a low orderbook and an ageing existing fleet – represents a sound investment strategy,” said Euroseas chairman and chief executive Aristides Pittas.

“This ensures we are well-positioned to capitalise on future market opportunities and continue creating long-term value for our shareholders beyond the next few years, which are already secured through our current charter arrangements,” he added.