George Economou’s TMS Dry is reportedly behind orders for four 7,900 TEU ships at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, and the vessels are said to be for long-term charter to ZIM Line.
The newbuilding order, announced by the shipbuilder on 25 November, marks the Greek shipping magnate’s return to the container sector, after TMS Dry sold the 2010-built 6,500 TEU Miramarin (now KMTC Delhi) to Korea Marine Transport Company (KMTC Line) for US$27.5 million in 2020.
The four newbuildings ordered at HJSC are priced at US$108.5 million per ship, with delivery scheduled between late 2026 and 2027.
The scrubber-fitted ships will be methanol-ready and are similar to two other vessels that Angeliki Frangou’s Navios Maritime Partners commissioned at the same shipbuilder in June, and in September, exercised options for another two vessels. The first two vessels have reportedly been committed to a long-term charter to ONE.
MB Shipbrokers (formerly Maersk Broker) suggested that TMS Dry ordered the ships on the back of a seven-year charter to ZIM Line, which is now the ninth-largest liner operator.
MB Shipbrokers said: “In line with the recently busy second-hand and charter market, the sentiment for container newbuildings is picking up again, and several liner companies are thought initiating new projects, especially in the range of 8,000 – 16,000 TEUs.
“As very limited tonnage remains available for charter, the question here is whether we will see terms being improved in this segment, or whether the market will remain stable, as it has been for the past number of weeks/months.”
Alison Koo
Asia Correspondent
