Taiwan’s Wan Hai Lines has returned to South Korea for more newbuilding containerships, as it expands its international network, reports The Loadstar.
Largest liner operator
On Friday, the 11th largest liner operator announced orders for eight 16,000 teu methanol dual-fuelled containerships, split between Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries, for a total of $1.6bn. Deliveries are expected in 2027 and 2028.
Wan Hai said in its Taiwan Stock Exchange filing the commissions, which follow orders at Hyundai Samho and Taiwan’s CSBC in August, are part of its long-term business development.
In August, Wan Hai GM Tommy Hsieh disclosed that the company had been invited to join a shipping alliance, but stopped short of disclosing which.
Long haul trades
Originally an intra-Asia specialist, Wan Hai re-entered the long-haul trades during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has not looked back. Local media speculated that the carrier could be poised to break into the top 10 liner operators’ list.
The battle amomng carriers for market share is deepening, as more newbuildings are ordered. Today, Chinese media reported that Cosco ordered six 13,600 teu conventionally fuelled ships at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding for around CNY6.41bn ($900m). To be delivered in 2027, they complement a similar order by Seaspan Corp on 18 October, for vessel to go on charter to Cosco subsidiary OOCL.
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Source: Loadstar
