July 16, 2026 – Erasmus Shipinvest Group has signed another newbuilding contract with CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, securing 2+2 × 1,900 TEU “Honghu” series feeder containerships. The deal, finalized on July 16 in Dalian with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. (CSTC), marks the third cooperation between the shipowner and the same Chinese yard since April 2026.

A Remarkable Tempo

What began as a first-time partnership in April has rapidly evolved into a series. The three contracts, all structured as 2+2, now represent 6 firm orders and 6 options at Huangpu Wenchong — a total of up to 12 feeder containerships should all options be exercised.

The latest vessel is part of Huangpu Wenchong’s independently developed “Honghu” series, a 172-meter, 27.5-meter beam design with a deadweight of approximately 24,000 tonnes. With cumulative orders reaching 42 units and 30 already delivered across five continents, the “Honghu” 1900TEU has become a benchmark in the global feeder segment.

A Strategic Pivot to China

Erasmus Shipinvest, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Athens, had long favored Japanese shipyards for its newbuilding programs. Founder, President and CEO John Su (Su Zhongyi) previously noted that Japanese yards offered quality advantages, but delivery slots have been pushed increasingly far out — in some cases to 2030.

Chinese shipyards, meanwhile, have made tangible progress in technology, efficiency, hardware, and execution capability. That has prompted a decisive shift.

Since March 2026, Erasmus Shipinvest has placed newbuilding orders across three Chinese shipyards:

Shipyard Vessel Type Order Structure

Jiangsu New Hantong 82,000 DWT Kamsarmax bulkers 4+4 → 8 firm

CSSC Huangpu Wenchong 1,800/1,900 TEU feeders 2+2 × 3 → 6 firm + 6 options

Taizhou Sanfu 2,400 TEU feeders 4+2

To date, the group has secured 18 firm newbuildings in China, with a total reported value of approximately $706 million. If all options are exercised, the total could reach 26 vessels.

Fleet Strategy: Diversification with Discipline

Erasmus Shipinvest currently manages and operates nearly 70 vessels across dry bulk, feeder container, LPG, multipurpose, and tanker segments.

The company’s feeder container strategy now spans 1,800 TEU, 1,900 TEU, and 2,400 TEU classes — a deliberate approach to covering different regional networks, port conditions, and charterer requirements.

Su has articulated a clear vision: a 100-strong fleet is the goal, but not at the expense of operational discipline. “The real challenge is not placing more orders — it’s ensuring we can perform, service debt, deliver quality, and maintain high standards as we scale,” he told Xinde Marine News.

What’s Next?

With first deliveries scheduled from 2028 onward, Erasmus Shipinvest is positioning itself for a new phase. The company’s ability to secure long-term charters for its newbuildings — reportedly pre-arranged rather than speculative — suggests a measured approach to growth.

For Chinese shipyards, the signal is equally clear: international owners are choosing China not just on price, but on design maturity, project execution, and long-term partnership.

As Erasmus Shipinvest moves toward its century-fleet target, the industry will be watching closely — not just how many ships it orders, but how well it manages them.