Taiwanese boxship operator TS Lines has signed shipbuilding contracts with CSSC-affiliated Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding for the construction of up to four 2,700 teu containerships as part of a plan to expand its self-owned fleet.
The contract consists of a firm order for two ships and an option for an additional two ships.
The ships will be fitted with scrubbers and deliveries are expected to start from June 2021.
According to TS Lines, the company is also looking to acquire 4,500 teu ships through either newbuilding projects or secondhand purchases. Its fleet currently has nearly 40 ships, seven of which are self-owned. Its orderbook now stands at nine vessels with this latest order.
In February, TS Lines revealed a plan to expand its self-owned fleet to 18 vessels.
