New orders for mega containerships and large tankers are projected to surge in the fourth quarter of this year. The total value will be about $5.0bn and will greatly mitigate currently order drought.
It is reported that Chilean shipping company CSAV is currently planning to order 20 9,000TEU or 10,500TEU containerships (including 10 optional units). About 10 shipyards including the Korean Big 3 are vying for the order. The present newbuilding cost for 9,000TEU boxship is about $80.0-85.0m apiece and $90.0-95.0m apiece for 10,000TEU unit. The total value for the order is up to $2.0bn.
At the same time, the Middle East shipowner UASC is in negotiation with Korean shipyards for the construction of ten 18,000TEU or 20,000TEU containerships. The total value is estimated at $1.5bn.
Besides, Taiwan-based YML is likely to order five 14,000-16,000TEU boxships at Korean shipyards by the end of the year.
In the tanker sector, UK BP Shipping is ready to order ten Aframax tankers and five Suezmax tankers in the fourth quarter. Korean builder Samsung Heavy Industry and STX is in intense competition for the project.
Meanwhile, Kuwait state-owned company KOTC is in negotiation for four MR tankers and three VLGCs at present.
Shipowners are likely to welcome a new order surge in the fourth quarter.