Greek shipping giant Latsco Shipping is accelerating its expansion into container shipping by exercising options for two feeder container vessels with a Chinese shipbuilder.
According to shipbroker sources, Latsco Shipping, led by Paris-based Kassidokostas-Latsis, has confirmed an additional order for two 1,900 TEU feeder container vessels from CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in June and August 2028.
The two new vessels are part of an option order placed earlier this year. At that time, the parties signed a contract for the construction of 2+2 1,900 TEU feeder container ships, each valued at approximately $31 million. With two option vessels taking effect, the total value of the four new vessels is approximately US$124 million.
It is understood that the “Honghu” 1900TEU feeder container vessel, independently developed by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, stands as the company’s flagship product in the feeder container vessel sector, with its footprint spanning all five continents.
Through optimized overall layout design, this vessel type effectively reduces hull weight while significantly enhancing deadweight capacity and cargo loading capability. Simultaneously, its hull form and lines have been optimized for multiple drafts and speeds under operational conditions, making it suitable for regional operations, multiple port calls, and frequent loading/unloading requirements. This improves the vessel’s overall economic efficiency, ensures broad market adaptability, and aligns closely with current green and environmentally friendly development trends.
Latsco Shipping, a leading company in the Greek shipping industry, operates a diversified fleet of more than 30 vessels and is actively expanding its diversified portfolio beyond traditional tanker and liquefied gas transportation businesses.
In 2022, the company made its first foray into the container vessel sector by ordering two 1,900 TEU feeder container vessels—an order originally commissioned by Shoei Kisen Kaisha to be built by Imabari Shipbuilding. While expanding its container vessel operations, the shipowner remains active in the product tanker market, recently placing orders for as many as four 50,000 DWT MR product tankers with Korea’s K-Shipbuilding.