Greek owner Minerva said to expand orderbook with 3,100-TEU trio in China

Shipbroking and market sources have linked the prominent Greek shipowner to a contract for three 3,100-TEU vessels at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2028.

According to brokers, the building slots were initially reserved by Norwegian non-operating owner Songa Box, backed by Arne Blystad. However, discussions between the two sides reportedly fell through, paving the way for Minerva Dry to take over the order. Earlier reports indicated a price of about US$45M per vessel.

Minerva Dry entered the container vessel sector in October 2023, and since then has built a fleet of eight feeder vessels, investing more than US$250M in secondhand acquisitions. The company has also been linked with orders for four 1,800-TEU ships at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and two firm plus two optional vessels of the same size at Huanghai Shipbuilding.

The company serves as the dry bulk and container ship arm of Minerva Marine, which now oversees a fleet of 18 ships. Despite its recent diversification, Minerva’s core business remains tankers – with Minerva Marine managing 54 tankers, while its LNG subsidiary, Minerva Gas, controls seven LNG carriers, including two under construction in South Korea.

As for Songa Box, the company has recently been linked to a letter of intent (LoI) with Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering for two firm plus two optional 3,100-TEU vessels.

According to Alphaliner, Songa Box currently operates nine container ships with capacities ranging from 1,732 to 2,846 TEU.