MSC orders ten new 10 LNG-fuelled boxships

Chinese manufacturer China International Marine Containers (CIMC) has reportedly confirmed a new order from MSC for ten LNG dual-fuel container vessels with a capacity of 11,500 TEUs.

Having a length of 335 meters and a width of 45.6 meters, the vessels will be equipped with type C LNG fuel tank, enabling the vessels to complete single round trip between China and Europe or America.

According to a CIMC statement, Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard, in which CIMC is a shareholder, will build the container ships, which will be designed by CIMC ORIC. The vessels are adopting LNG and traditional fuel propulsion system with ammonia-ready design, which can realize zero-carbon emission in the near future, said Yin Xunbin, general manager of CIMC ORIC.

Classification societies for the 10 vessels are DNV, LR and BV.

MSC is expected to receive the new boxships in 2025 and 2026.

The amount of money MSC will spend on the new container ships is not yet known, but according to reports, the Swiss/Italian shipping giant is estimated to pay around US$120 million per ship, translating to US$1.2 billion for the entire order.