Chartworld Eyes 3,100 TEU Boxship Deal at New Dayang Yard

Greek shipowner Chartworld Shipping is preparing a return to the newbuilding market with plans to expand its container vessel portfolio. The company is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for four 3,100 TEU container ships to be constructed at China’s New Dayang Shipbuilding.

According to Athens-based shipbrokers, the Kollakis family-led company has signed a letter of intent for two confirmed ships and two additional options. Deliveries are anticipated in 2028, with each vessel estimated to cost around $42 million.

If the agreement proceeds, it will represent Chartworld’s first boxship order since 2021, when it secured four 13,288 TEU vessels. Two of those were chartered to Hapag-Lloyd, while the other two are directly owned by the German carrier. Chartworld currently owns 13 container vessels, including the 3,718 TEU CMA CGM Africa Two, built in 2010 at Hanjin Subic.

The potential order aligns with a surge of Greek interest in container tonnage. Latsco Shipping, for instance, has recently commissioned two firm and two optional 1,900 TEU vessels from Huangpu Wenchong in Guangzhou. Other Greek firms — such as Alberta Shipmanagement and Chios Navigation — are also engaging in feeder-size newbuilds at Chinese yards. Capital Maritime, Navios Maritime Partners, Danaos, and TMS Group are also believed to be exploring new boxship acquisitions.

German owners are similarly reported to be involved in new letters of intent for 3,000 TEU feeder ships at undisclosed Chinese shipyards. Though specifics remain limited, those deals are said to be nearing formal contract agreements.

“Overall enquiry remains active across the board,” Danish firm MB Shipbrokers noted in a recent market update. “Most yards are now booking into 2028, and while the volume of new orders remains limited, sentiment is firm and pricing remains stable.”