Dutch owner’s orderbook reaches potential 20 ships with reefer deal in China; more on the cards.

Dutch owner Seatrade has expanded its Chinese orderbook to a potential 20 ships with a deal for four reefers.
The world’s largest reefer operator and owner said the 300,000-cbf handysizes are an eco-design equipped with an environmentally friendly refrigeration plant to cool the under-deck space.

The ships are due from Guangxin Shipbuilding & Heavy Industry (GHSI) in Zhongshan from the summer of 2017.
“This acquisition represents another significant step in Seatrade’s commitment to further develop its services and logistical systems dedicated to the transportation of perishable goods,” it said.

The order is part of a fleet expansion that includes six firm and six optional 2,250-teu reefer containerships and another four optional handysize reefers.

The refrigerated vessels are going into the GreenSea Reefer Pool, while the boxships will trade in the Seatrade Pool.
The company said it is also seeking opportunities to increase its fleet with “further acquisitions of newbuildings and/or modern second-hand tonnage, combined with possible strategic alliances with third-party owners.”