Hayfin Capital Management, a European alternative asset manager, has entered the container vessel newbuilding market and selected a Chinese shipyard to construct its new vessels, aiming to further expand its maritime investment portfolio.
According to Greek media reports, Hayfin Capital has ordered two 3,100 TEU container vessels from Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry Co., Ltd. (Jinglu Shipyard), with delivery expected in the first half of 2028.
Although the construction cost of Hayfin Capital’s new vessels has not been disclosed, Greek shipbrokers estimate that Chinese shipbuilder is quoting approximately $45 million per vessel for this type. Based on this figure, the total cost of the two new vessels is approximately $90 million.
In recent months, Jinglu Shipyard has been particularly active in the container ship market, especially with the 3,100 TEU vessel type. In addition to Hayfin Capital’s newbuilding project, Greek shipowner Minerva Dry has placed orders for five 3,100 TEU container vessels at Jinglu Shipyard, with delivery scheduled between 2027 and 2028. Turkish diversified shipowner Yasa has reportedly also placed an order with the shipyard for 2+2 3,100 TEU container vessels. The first two vessels are expected to be delivered by October 2028, and the relevant shipbuilding contract was signed at the end of 2025.
In addition to feeder container vessels, reports earlier this year indicated that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping line, had placed an additional order with Jinglu Shipyard for eight 11,500 TEU LNG-powered dual-fuel container vessels. This brings the total number of orders for this vessel type under the joint construction agreement between the two parties to 16, with deliveries scheduled to take place sequentially through 2029. The first batch of eight vessels was ordered in 2024, with an option for four additional vessels of the same type.
The latest market trends indicate that shipowner Hayfin Capital continues to capitalize on investment opportunities, focusing on shipyards and projects that can offer earlier delivery dates. In mid-March, it was reported that Hayfin Capital had reached an agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to build four 50,000 DWT MR2-class product tankers, with delivery expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028.
In addition to newbuild projects, Hayfin Capital’s investments in the tanker market also include the purchase of secondhand vessels. According to several shipping data platforms, the company acquired the 109,999 DWT Aframax tanker “Sti Solidarity,” built in 2015, for approximately $60 million and renamed it “GH Umeko”. The vessel is currently operated by Greenheart Management, the company’s ship management platform.
According to Equasis data, Greenheart Management currently manages 16 vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers, and container vessels.