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Zodiac Maritime Expands Containership Fleet with $400m Order in China
Global shipowner Zodiac Maritime is strengthening its position in the sea freight industry with a major newbuilding investment. The London-based, Eyal Ofer-led company has placed an order for five 6,000 TEU containerships at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, worth close to $400 million.
Order Details and Shipyard Information
According to shipbrokers, the quintet of vessels will be conventionally fuelled and priced between $78–$79 million each. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with some reports suggesting handovers could extend into 2029, depending on yard availability and vessel specifications.
The order underlines the shipyard’s growing appeal to global owners, especially as demand for mid-size containerships rises amid shifting global sea freight patterns.
Charter Speculation and Market Context
Industry sources remain divided on whether Zodiac’s new ships are speculative orders or already backed by long-term charter contracts. Market intelligence provider Alphaliner has indicated a possible tie-up with Cosco, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The design of the newbuilds is believed to closely mirror the four 6,000 TEU boxships ordered earlier this year at the same yard by Eastern Pacific Shipping, led by Idan Ofer.
Strategic Expansion After Earlier Newbuilds
This latest deal comes after Zodiac Maritime’s previous focus on larger containerships. In 2021 and 2022, the company ordered a series of 15,000 TEU vessels from Hanwha Ocean in South Korea, which were later transferred to the world’s largest container line, MSC.
By diversifying its fleet with both ultra-large and mid-size boxships, Zodiac is positioning itself to capture opportunities across different sea freight trade lanes, balancing efficiency with flexibility in deployment.
Implications for Sea Freight
The investment signals confidence in long-term container shipping demand, particularly in the 6,000 TEU segment, which is well-suited for secondary trade routes, regional hubs, and emerging economies. With global sea freight growth increasingly driven by diverse cargo flows, mid-size ships provide greater adaptability compared to ultra-large containerships restricted to a few mega-hubs.
For shippers and charterers, Zodiac’s fleet expansion is likely to enhance service availability and reliability, strengthening supply chains amid ongoing shifts in international trade.
