Tsakos Orders Two 3,200 TEU Containerships from Hengli in China
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Greek shipping group Tsakos has ordered two new 3,200 TEU containerships from Chinese shipyard Hengli Heavy Industries, according to the company's fleet register. Both vessels, identified as hulls HL-C3100-4 and HL-C3100-8, are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2028 and will be fitted with scrubbers and alternative maritime power systems that will allow them to connect to shore power while in port.
Specifications and Contract Value
According to Xinde Marine News, each vessel will have a deadweight of 41,200 tonnes, an overall length of 199.90 meters and a draft of 11 meters. Market sources and Alphaliner's week 41 report estimate a price of around $48 million per unit, implying a combined investment of approximately $96 million, although neither Tsakos nor Hengli confirmed the value of the deal. The exact date the contract was signed is also unknown: shipping database records point to September, but Alphaliner noted it could have been finalized in August or September, and that the vessels' charter arrangements have not yet been disclosed.
First Order Since 2022
The deal marks Tsakos's return to the containership ordering market following its last order in 2022, when it commissioned a series of roughly 2,800 TEU vessels from HD Hyundai Mipo in South Korea. Six of those units, known as Chittagongmax, joined the fleet in 2023 and 2024. Tsakos's register currently shows 10 containerships in operation, combining those six Hyundai Mipo vessels with four other older units ranging from 2,800 to 4,600 TEU.
Growing Ties with Hengli
The new order deepens Tsakos's relationship with Hengli beyond dry cargo: in June it was already reported that the group had ordered two 181,500 dwt capesize bulk carriers at the same shipyard, with delivery expected in 2028. With this addition, Tsakos's fleet rises to 112 vessels including newbuildings, with an orderbook of 23 ships spanning tankers, LNG carriers, bulk carriers and now also containerships.
Other Owners at Hengli
Tsakos is not the only owner targeting Hengli's 3,200 TEU design. Thenamaris has booked four similar vessels at the Dalian shipyard for delivery in 2028, while German non-operating owner Elbdeich Reederei has also been linked to two 3,200 TEU containerships at Hengli, likewise scheduled for delivery in 2028 at an estimated price of around $48 million per unit, in line with the figures reported for the Tsakos vessels.
