Newbuilding round-up

Samsung Heavy Industries clinched an order for four more 9,600TEU container ships from Seaspan Container Lines in Canada for delivery during 2007. This latest order is an option declaration by Seaspan and brings its total newbuildings at Samsung to eight boxships.

Great Eastern Shipping has exercised one of its two options with STX in Korea for a 47,400DWT product carrier. The Indian shipowner had placed a contract with STX for two units in early March and the latest newbuilding is slated for delivery in the second quarter of 2008.

China Shipping Group has exercised options for four 4,250TEU container ships. Two will be built at Dalian New Shipyard and the other two at Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding. The latest orders represent options attached to earlier newbuilding contracts with the two Chinese shipbuilders who each received orders for three plus six.