Seaspan Corp has splashed out $550m to order newbuilding containerships scheduled for delivery in 2015 from a major Asian shipbuilder.
The New York-listed containership owner, however, gave little details of the order but added that it expects to sign long term charters with one of the liner majors shortly.
“Seaspan continues to capitalise on attractive growth opportunities. We are pleased to have commenced the third quarter by signing a major newbuilding contract and are in the process of finalising long term charter agreements for these vessels,” said Gerry Wang, ceo, co-chairman, and co-founder of Seaspan.
The newbuilding contract announcement followed Seaspan's stronger second quarter results, which saw the company returned to the black with a profit of $127.15m as against a loss of $6.75m in the same period of 2012.
Revenue in the quarter ended 30 June 2013 remained unchanged at $167.8m.
At the start of 2013, Seaspan had 69 vessels in operation and accepted delivery of one vessel during the second quarter, bringing its fleet to a total of 70 vessels as of 30 June 2013.