South Korea's HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) disclosed on 22 Sep 2026 a contract worth around US$491M for the construction of four container ships, naming an unnamed Oceania-based shipowner as the counterparty. Shipbroking and market sources say Angeliki Frangou-led Navios Maritime Partners is behind the order, with the pricing suggesting the vessels will be 10,100-TEU ships. The vessels would be the largest container ships HJSC has ever built. The shipbuilder entered the segment earlier this year with an order for four vessels from an unnamed European shipping company, saying at the time that the design incorporates high-efficiency and advanced technologies aimed at maximising cargo capacity both on deck and in the holds, while improving production efficiency and safety. Shipbrokers reported last week that newbuilding activity for vessels ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 TEU is heating up, with available yard slots rapidly being taken up. Navios has been active in contracting newbuildings in recent years. According to its latest financial update, the US-listed owner's newbuilding programme comprises 29 vessels, representing a total investment of around US$2.5Bn and contracted revenue of US$1.8Bn, including seven container ships scheduled for delivery through 2028. Navios has previously contracted HJSC to build vessels for its fleet, which totals 176 ships with an average age of 8.7 years and a combined value exceeding US$10Bn, comprising 66 bulk carriers, 60 tankers and 50 container vessels.
