London-based Zodiac Maritime Agencies is in talks with South Korean shipbuilders to order 5,000-teu boxships.
Industry players say Zodiac aims to take advantage of the low shipbuilding market.
“We understand Zodiac has no employment lined up for the vessels,” said one. “It is making a speculative order as newbuilding prices are at the bottom.”
Zodiac is said to be in contact with Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard as well as Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Daewoo is hungry for orders for its Daehan facility in South Korea and Mangalia facility in Romania.
“Constructing a 5,000-teu boxship is probably going to cost yards close to $50m but we heard Zodiac is seeking to pay less than $50m,” a broker says.