Tsakos returns to containership contracting in China

Greek shipping group Tsakos has returned to the containership newbuilding market, emerging behind an order for two 3,200 teu vessels at China’s Hengli Heavy Industries.

The pair appear in the Athens-based owner’s latest fleet register, with both scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2028.

Both will be scrubber-fitted and equipped with alternative maritime … Menu Containers Europe Greater China Shipyards Tsakos returns to containership contracting in China Adis Ajdin October 14, 2026 0 226 2 minutes read Hengli Shipbuilding Hengli Shipbuilding Greek shipping group Tsakos has returned to the containership newbuilding market, emerging behind an order for two 3,200 teu vessels at China’s Hengli Heavy Industries.

The pair appear in the Athens-based owner’s latest fleet register, with both scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2028.

Both will be scrubber-fitted and equipped with alternative maritime power systems, allowing them to connect to shore-side electricity while alongside.

Shipping database records point to contracts signed in September, although Alphaliner said the exact timing remains unclear and that the orders could have been concluded in August or September.

Market sources put the ships at around $48m each, depending on final specification, implying a combined investment of about $96m.

Neither Tsakos nor Hengli has disclosed pricing.

Alphaliner noted that Tsakos has typically backed containership newbuildings with forward employment, but there is no indication yet whether the Hengli pair have already been fixed.

The deal marks Tsakos’ first return to boxship contracting since 2022, when the group booked a series of approximately 2,800 teu vessels at HD Hyundai Mipo in South Korea.

Six of those so-called Chittagongmax vessels entered the fleet in 2023 and 2024.

Tsakos’ current fleet register shows 10 containerships on the water, comprising those six modern Hyundai Mipo ships and four older units ranging from about 2,800 teu to 4,600 teu.

Splash reported in June that the group had emerged behind two 181,500 dwt capesize newbuildings at the Chinese yard.

The ships are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and were reported at about $78m apiece.

Market sources suggested at the time that the deal may have involved resale positions rather than direct yard contracts.

Tsakos’ fleet now stands at 112 vessels including newbuildings, with a 23-ship orderbook spanning tankers, LNG carriers, dry bulk vessels and the latest containership pair.

The Greek owner is not alone in targeting Hengli’s 3,200 teu design.