China's Yangfan Group revealed that it contracted an order for four 1,100-teu boxships from Chinese owner Ningbo Ocean Shipping in December 2011, which only just been reported.
The ships are set for delivery next year. The price has not been disclosed yet,  market players suggest the quartet will cost around $18m each.
Recently placed newbuildings will be Ningbo's largest-ever vessels to own and operate, said the Yangfan official.