MPCC Orders Two Eco-Friendly 1,600 TEU Container Vessels at Fujian Mawei Shipyard

Norwegian container tonnage provider MPC Container Ships (MPCC) has placed an order with Fujian Mawei Shipyard in China for two 1,600 TEU eco-efficient container vessels, with deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2027. The order includes eight-year charter agreements with a leading global liner operator and reflects MPCC’s ongoing fleet renewal and decarbonisation strategy.

Investment and Charter Terms

The total investment for the two vessels amounts to USD 66 million, and MPCC has secured options for additional newbuildings, providing flexibility to expand in response to market conditions.

Each vessel has been chartered for eight years, with an additional two-year extension option. The contracts are expected to generate around USD 92 million in revenue and contribute approximately USD 54 million in EBITDA over the fixed charter period.

Vessel Specifications

The new vessels will feature a fuel-efficient design tailored for the Northern Europe shortsea trade, where shallow draft operations and narrow channels demand high maneuverability. MPCC said the ships will incorporate a refined hull form, energy-saving systems, and optimized propulsion efficiency, ensuring compliance with future environmental regulations and lower emissions.

According to MPCC, the order marks another step in the company’s transition toward a more efficient, environmentally compliant, and future-ready fleet, reducing exposure to upcoming regulatory risks.

Financing and Strategic Impact

The project will be financed through a combination of equity and debt, maintaining a balanced capital structure and financial flexibility. MPCC expects the newbuildings to be accretive to both earnings per share (EPS) and dividends per share (DPS) upon delivery.

Leadership Commentary

Commenting on the announcement, Constantin Baack, Co-CEO of MPCC, said:

“We are pleased to mark another step in the transformation of our fleet. This transaction is part of our long-term fleet renewal strategy, designed to generate sustainable value through modernization and optimization… At the same time, we maintain a strong and flexible balance sheet with significant investment capacity, enabling us to advance our renewal program while remaining well-positioned to act on market opportunities should conditions soften.”

Baack added that supply dynamics in MPCC’s key market segments remain favorable:

“We continue to view the supply fundamentals in our core segments as favorable, due to the comparably low orderbook – where only 6% of the fleet is expected to be replaced in the next 2–3 years, while 24% of vessels are already over 20 years old.”

Fleet Modernisation Momentum

The latest order continues MPCC’s broader fleet renewal strategy, aimed at improving operational efficiency and aligning with tightening IMO decarbonisation targets. The company has been gradually replacing older tonnage with modern, eco-optimized vessels suited to regional and feeder trades.

The order also highlights growing momentum among shipowners to secure energy-efficient vessels ahead of stricter carbon intensity and lifecycle fuel regulations expected later this decade.