Alpha Bulkers, a Greek shipowner active in the small to capesize dry bulk segments, has become the latest Greek player enter the container shipbuilding business, with the launch of an 11-shipbuilding plan.

The company has ordered conventional-powered vessels of 1,90 teu, 3,100 teu and 4,500 teu, which have become standard vessels in the charter market due to their flexibility and adapt on various trade routes, Alphaliner reported.

It is understood that Jiangsu Yangzi Shipbuilding is expected to build three 1,900-te sister ships, possibly to be constructed by the group's company that focuses on small-tonnage vessels. Industry sources said the contracts could have been signed months ago but only to the surface recently.

Alpha Bulkers has also secured four 3,100-teu vessels at Guangdong Zhongyuan Shipping Heavy Industry.

In addition, the company has ordered four 4,500-teu vessels from CIMC Raffles at Yantai.

With these three, Alpha Bulkers joins a long list of Greek shipowners who have diversified from tankers and dry bulkers into containerships. Others who have taken action include Latsc Shipping, via its Marla Shipping, Minerva Marine and Transocean Maritime, along with a host of non-operating owners that have been targeting the three box sizes.

The contract prices have not been disclosed. However, based on the current price levels for standard conventional-powered vessels in the Chinese market, the 1,00-teu ships would cost around $30 million each, the 3,100-teu ships for about $45 million each, and the ,500-teu ships for between $57 million and $59 million each.