Wan Hai Lines is expanding its containership fleet again. Lloyd’s List recently reported that the Taiwan-based liner operator has ordered eight new containerships from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The total contract value is estimated at between $928 million and $980 million, with the upper end approaching $1 billion.

In addition to the size of the order, all eight vessels will feature alternative-fuel-ready designs. As Wan Hai continues to add larger vessels designed for future alternative-fuel conversion, its fleet adjustment is gathering pace.

Key Highlights

• Nearly $1 billion order: Wan Hai has ordered eight containerships in a single order package.

• Up to approximately 11,000 TEU: Seven vessels will be methanol/LNG dual-fuel-ready.

• One vessel upgraded: One previously ordered 9,200 TEU vessel has been increased to approximately 11,000 TEU.

• Newbuilding orderbook reaches 50 vessels: The combined capacity is close to 500,000 TEU.

• Deliveries begin in 2029: Wan Hai continues to increase vessel size and prepare its fleet for alternative fuels.

What Has Wan Hai Ordered for Nearly $1 Billion?

The order comprises one 9,200 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready containership and seven approximately 11,000 TEU methanol/LNG dual-fuel-ready containerships. Each of the seven 11,000 TEU vessels is priced at approximately $118 million to $124 million, while the 9,200 TEU vessel is valued at approximately $102 million to $112 million.

Not all eight vessels are newly added orders. In March, Wan Hai announced an order for two 9,200 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready vessels from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. On August 12, the company upgraded one of those vessels to an approximately 11,000 TEU methanol/LNG dual-fuel-ready design and added six more vessels of the same class, bringing the total order package to eight vessels.

Why Is Wan Hai Continuing to Invest in Alternative-Fuel-Ready Vessels?

The vessel types and fuel specifications show that the newbuildings are intended to support Wan Hai’s future fleet renewal. The 9,200 TEU vessel will feature a methanol dual-fuel-ready design, while the other seven vessels of approximately 11,000 TEU will be methanol/LNG dual-fuel-ready.

A “dual-fuel-ready” design does not mean that a vessel will be capable of using the designated alternative fuel immediately upon delivery. Instead, the relevant technical preparations are incorporated during construction to facilitate a future conversion. For liner operators, this design provides greater flexibility in responding to changes in fuel availability and tighter environmental regulations.

Container shipping newbuildings are no longer focused solely on increasing carrying capacity. Vessel design, fuel efficiency, and alternative-fuel compatibility are also becoming important considerations for fleet renewal.

With 50 Newbuildings on Order, How Is Wan Hai Expanding Its Fleet?

Following the latest eight-vessel order, Wan Hai’s newbuilding orderbook has increased to 50 vessels with a combined capacity of nearly 500,000 TEU. The vessels are being built at shipyards in China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, with deliveries under the latest order expected to begin in 2029.

While Wan Hai previously focused mainly on mid-sized containerships, it is now gradually adding more vessels in the approximately 11,000 TEU segment and adjusting its fleet structure. Larger vessels can increase capacity on mainline services, while alternative-fuel-ready designs provide more options as environmental regulations evolve.

Despite the prospect of continued capacity pressure from large-scale newbuilding deliveries, liner operators are still preparing for future competition on key trade lanes through fleet renewal, larger vessel sizes, and investment in alternative-fuel technologies.

Sources 

Lloyd’s List and publicly available industry information. 

Disclaimer

This article has been compiled from publicly available information and is provided solely for industry reference. Specific order details, vessel delivery schedules, and fleet plans will be subject to the latest announcements from Wan Hai Lines and the relevant shipyards.