SINGAPORE's Eastern Pacific Shipping has secured financing from China's SPDB Financial Leasing for two 18,000-TEUer capable of using liquefied natural gas, reports London's Lloyd's List.

The deal speaks of a "strong partnership between the two companies in sustainable ship financing," said Eastern Pacific.

It is understood the companies are part of the order for eight LNG dual-fuel, plus four optional units EPS placed at Jiangsu New Times Shipbuilding last year, backed by long-term charters from CMA CGM.

Each ship cost more than US$200 million, with delivery scheduled between 2027 and 2028, brokers reported at the time.

SPDB Leasing, a subsidiary of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, could finance up to 90 per cent of the ship's price, backed by the shipowner's strong credit standing and secured charter agreement, according to industry sources.

The EPS fleet tipped over the 300-vessels mark last year, with about 120 on order and more than 180 on the water. The size of the fleet had almost tripled in terms of deadweight - and, in terms of value, it had quadrupled, given that these are generally the top end of the size ranges.

The company was an early adopter of LNG and has since set its sights on ammonia as the next step.