Hong Kong-based owner EGPN has entered the containership newbuilding market with a feeder order in China.
The company has contracted a pair of 1,900 teu vessels at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding for delivery in 2029.
The order marks EGPN’s first known move into container shipping, adding another segment to a fleet expansion drive that has already covered bulkers, product tankers and chemical tankers.
EGPN has been one of the more active Chinese-linked private owners in the newbuilding market over the past year.
In April, the company ordered four 50,000 dwt MR tankers at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2028. The company has also been tied to oil and chemical tanker tonnage in China, as well as dry bulk investments.
The latest feeder order puts EGPN into a ship type that has seen a steady run of fresh Chinese contracts this year, particularly at Huangpu Wenchong.
The Guangzhou-based CSSC yard has built a strong position in the 1,900 teu feeder segment with its Swan design, a series used in regional and shortsea trades.
Splash reported in March that South Korea’s Namsung Shipping and Dongyoung Shipping had turned to Huangpu Wenchong for new tonnage, including two 1,900 teu feeder vessels.
Ningbo Ocean Shipping has also lined up four firm 1,900 teu vessels with options for two more as part of a wider fleet renewal push.
Last month, Splash reported that 1,900 teu feeder ships at Huangpu Wenchong had also been linked to Greece’s OceanV Maritime and a joint order involving Erasmus Shipinvest and CULines.
EGPN’s move adds another newcomer to the feeder orderbook, as owners outside the traditional liner sector continue to place capital behind smaller boxship tonnage.