https://splash247.com/eastern-pacific-signs-for-up-to-a-dozen-car-carrier-newbuilds/

Idan Ofer’s Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has expanded its extensive order book with a new agreement for up to 12 car carrier newbuilds in China. The Singapore-based diversified shipowner, currently managing around 80 newbuilding projects, has finalized contracts for up to eight 5,500 CEU vessels at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding and up to four at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.

The agreement includes four firm LNG dual-fuel units at Fujian Mawei, slated for delivery in 2027, and two firm units at Jinling. Shipbuilding sources estimate the price at approximately $80 million each. Additionally, EPS has secured options for constructing four mid-sized car carriers at Xiamen Shipbuilding, along with options for an additional four vessels. The Jinling Shipyard agreement includes options for two more units.Earlier in the year, EPS ordered up to eight 50,000 DWT MR tankers at Fujian Mawei, with the delivery of four firm ships expected in 2026. This follows EPS’s ongoing cooperation with China Merchants Jinling, involving contracts for a series of 7,000 CEU dual-fuel newbuilds.According to Clarksons data, about 35 firm car carriers have been contracted so far this year, while 2023 saw the firming of 88 units, primarily at Chinese shipyards, focusing predominantly on larger vessels.