China Merchants Energy Shipping has ordered the construction of eight container ships by its wholly-owned subsidiary yards, for a total investment of more than RMB3.8bn ($556m).

The newbuild package covers four 8,200 teu methanol-ready container ships and four 1,800 teu container ships. All of the vessels are due for delivery in 2028.

The four 8,200 teu methanol-ready container ships will be equipped with scrubbers, with a total investment of no more than RMB2.87bn, while the four 1,800 teu container ships involve a total investment of no more than RMB940m.

These new vessels will be built by two shipyards within the China Merchants Shipbuilding Group.

CMES said the transaction is a key move to optimise the structure of its container fleet and upgrade route capacity. After delivery and operation in 2028, the new ships will be used to upgrade capacity, optimise fleet structure, improve loading capacity and operational efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness and service capability of its container shipping business, the company said.

In addition to container ships, China Merchants Energy Shipping recently ordered ten conventional-fuel Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC). These VLCCs feature dual-fuel ready design, scrubbers and shaft generators, are scheduled for delivery from 2028 to 2030.