Greek owner Danaos doubles 5,300-TEU orderbook in China

Riviera reported late last month that the US-listed Greek owner had placed an order for two 5,300-TEU container ships at CSSC’s Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard, with options attached. It is now understood that Danaos has four firm vessels of this size on order at the yard.

The latest tonnage represents the newest development in the shipbuilder’s series of medium-sized container vessels, according to a social media post by the yard. The design features an optimised hull form, integrated energy-saving devices and improved fuel efficiency, while also incorporating provisions for future conversion to alternative fuels.

Danaos and CSSC have built a close working relationship in recent years, collaborating on several shipbuilding projects.

The move also marks a partial return to vessel sizes more closely aligned with Danaos’ traditional ordering profile, following the company’s announcement last November of an order for six 1,800-TEU feeders. Before that deal, the US-listed owner had focused largely on mid-size and larger tonnage in the 6,000-9,200-TEU range.

Danaos currently operates a fleet of 75 container vessels totalling 477,491 TEU, with its orderbook now standing at 27 vessels, including the latest additions. Most of the newbuildings have secured long-term employment and are designed to meet the latest environmental requirements.

Beyond container vessels, Danaos has also expanded into the dry bulk sector, where it controls a fleet of 11 Capesize units.

In January, the owner disclosed that it had further diversified its portfolio by making a strategic investment in the Alaska LNG project, marking its entry into the energy sector.