Alberta Shipmanagement enters container ship market; Peter Döhle expands orderbook

According to shipping databases, traditional bulker and tanker player Alberta Shipmanagement has entered the container vessel sector with an order for two 1,930-TEU ships at CSSC Guangzhou Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding. The pair is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

The Inglessis family led Alberta appears to be following a growing trend among Greek shipowners this year, many of whom are expanding into the small-to-medium container ship segment.

Industry players such as Danaos Corp, Capital Group, Minerva Dry, Chartworld, Latsco Shipping, and Euroseas have all placed similar newbuilding orders in 2025.

With roots in Greek shipping dating back to 1875, Alberta Shipmanagement was established in 2019 by the fifth generation of the Inglessis family. According to the company’s website, Alberta currently controls 25 vessels, including two VLCCs under construction.

Peter Döhle expands fleet

In a related move, Peter Döhle has reportedly ordered four 2,900-TEU container ships at CSSC Guangzhou Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, according to multiple shipping databases. Deliveries are slated for late 2027 through 2028.

Shipbroking sources note that the German owner may be renewing tonnage, as some of its 2,500 to 3,000-TEU vessels are approaching replacement age.

Earlier this year, Döhle was also linked to an order for five 8,400-TEU container ships at Guangzhou Shipyard International. Additionally, Riviera recently reported on the owner’s bulk carrier expansion, including the acquisition of two modern Kamsarmax vessels.

Feeder orderbook climbs sharply

The feeder newbuilding surge is not limited to Greek owners. Interest in smaller container ships has risen significantly worldwide.

According to Xclusiv Shipbrokers’ latest monthly report, the orderbook-to-fleet ratio in the feeder segment stood at 7.1% (in TEU terms) at the end of September, up from 3.7% at the close of 2024. In the Handy segment, the ratio climbed to 12.4%, compared with 4.5% a year earlier.

Analysts note that across all vessel sizes, the overall orderbook-to-fleet ratio reached 31.4% in September, up from 24.6% in the same period last year – signalling a notable acceleration in container ship investment.