Goldenport linked to feeder newbuilding order at reactivated Chinese yard

Multiple shipping databases show that Goldenport has three 1,800-TEU vessels under construction at China Merchants Industry Group’s Wuhan Qingshan Shipyard, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

According to Clarksons, the order was placed earlier this year.

The Chinese shipbuilder signed its first shipbuilding contracts in 2026 following a restructuring process, having effectively exited the shipbuilding sector after delivering its last vessel in 2018. Founded in the 1950s, Qingshan Shipyard has built more than 600 vessels, according to Chinese media reports.

Clarksons lists additional container ship orders at the yard for Zhonggu Shipping and China Merchants, all scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029, as well as two multipurpose vessels due for delivery next year.

For Goldenport, the reported order forms part of a broader fleet renewal and expansion strategy spanning both the dry bulk and container sectors. Riviera reported earlier this week that the Greek owner had also been linked to a contract for two Ultramax bulk carriers at Nantong Xiangyu.

The feeder order represents Goldenport’s second container ship investment within a year, following the acquisition of 2023-built Norderney in the secondhand market.

According to Clarksons, Goldenport currently operates a fleet of 29 bulk carriers and container ships.

John Dragnis appears to have embarked on a new cycle of fleet investment following the completion of a bulk carrier newbuilding programme in 2024 and the nearing completion of an MR tanker programme in China. The latest investment cycle also includes VLGC newbuildings through the group’s tanker and gas arm, Oceangold Tankers.

Greeks double down on feeders

Several Greek shipowners have either entered the feeder container ship segment or expanded their presence through newbuilding orders over the past year.

According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers, feeder vessels accounted for around 36% of the Greek-owned container ship orderbook as of late May. The brokerage also recorded 112 feeder vessel orders globally this year, making the segment by far the most popular choice among container ship newbuildings.

Despite the surge in contracting activity, the feeder orderbook remains relatively modest by historical standards. Vessels under construction represent approximately 15% of the active fleet in TEU terms, the lowest ratio among all container ship size segments.