CNSS has learned that T.S. Lines (02510) has announced that on March 20, the company signed a newbuilding contract with Fujian Shipbuilding's Mawei Shipyard for four 2,900 TEU containerships. The total contract value is $168.6 million, with a unit price of $42.15 million per vessel. The ships are expected to be delivered in May 2029.

This order marks the second contract between the two parties, following the previous agreement signed on November 19 for two vessels totaling $84.3 million. The 2,900 TEU containerships from the first contract are scheduled for delivery between June and August 2028, also at a unit price of $42.15 million each.

T.S. Lines stated that the construction of a total of six containerships will expand the company's owned fleet and total carrying capacity, enabling it to better seize market opportunities and respond to growing demand in the container shipping industry, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and other key markets. The addition of new vessels will further strengthen the company's ability to provide reliable and frequent services to its customers, enhancing its market position.

In addition, T.S. Lines' strategy includes maintaining a balanced mix of owned and chartered vessels, with a focus on increasing the proportion of owned vessels to achieve long-term cost advantages. Owned vessels are not subject to fluctuations in charter rates or fixed charter periods, which typically helps reduce unit operating costs. New vessels with modern designs and specifications are expected to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, thereby lowering operational costs and contributing to compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.