China's state-run shipping giant COSCO has announced a significant expansion of its fleet, confirming orders for 18 new container vessels valued at approximately $2.7 billion. The order includes twelve 18,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships at CSSC’s Jiangnan Shipyard and six 3,000 TEU conventionally powered vessels at COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard. The LNG-capable ships, priced at around $200.75 million each, mark COSCO’s first foray into LNG as an alternative marine fuel. Deliveries for these vessels are scheduled between 2028 and 2029. With this move, COSCO strengthens its position as the world’s fourth-largest container line, further diversifying its fleet and fuel options.