Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has made another move into the feeder container market with a major newbuilding order at China’s Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding.

Sources following EPS’ shipbuilding moves said the Idan Ofer-led owner has inked firm contracts for 12 vessels of 1,800 teu capacity, with options for another six, worth up to around $680m in total.

Shipbrokers put the price per vessel between $30m and $31m, consistent with conventionally fuelled tonnage. However, there are indications that LNG dual-fuel configurations are under discussion, since the newbuilds are understood to be linked to French liner giant CMA CGM, known for taking on EPS boxship tonnage.

The Mawei order follows EPS’ recent contract for six similar-sized ships at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, suggesting a clear strategic push into the feeder segment, placing the company among a growing group of owners eyeing modern feeder designs, amid steady demand in regional trades.

The company’s latest order adds to a busy period in the boxship newbuilding market. New letters of intent signed recently also suggest activity spanning a range of sizes, from feeder ships to megamax 22,000 teu units.

“Owners are moving quickly to lock in remaining 2028 delivery slots,” MB Shipbrokers noted in a recent report. “We expect more announcements in the second half of August.”