Alpha Bulkers, long established in the supramax-to-capesize dry bulk segments, has become the latest Greek owner to pivot into containers, lining up an 11-ship newbuilding programme.
Alphaliner is reporting the company has ordered conventionally powered vessels of 1,900 teu, 3,100 teu and 4,500 teu – designs that have become standard in the charter market due to their flexibility and resilience across a range of trades.
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding is expected to build three 1,900 teu sister ships, likely at the group’s Chang Bo subsidiary, which focuses on smaller tonnage. Industry sources suggest these contracts may have been signed several months ago but have only now come to light.
Alpha Bulkers has also secured slots for four 3,100 teu vessels at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry’s Guangdong yard. In addition, four firm orders have been placed at Yantai CIMC Raffles for 4,500 teu vessels.
With this trio of contracts, Alpha Bulkers joins a growing list of Greek tanker and bulker owners migrating into the containership space. Others already making the move include Latsco Shipping (via Marla), Minerva Marine and Transocean Maritime, along with a broader wave of non-operating owners targeting the same trio of size classes.
No contract prices have been disclosed. However, prevailing market levels for standard, conventionally powered tonnage in China would typically place 1,900 teu vessels at around $30m apiece, 3,100 teu ships at roughly $45m, and 4,500 teu units in the $57m–$59m range.
