German shipowner Foroohari Schiffart has acquired the 13,312-TEU Manzanillo Express from Greece's Capital Ship Management for a reported US$120 million, marking its largest investment in container shipping to date, reports Singapore's Splash247.

Built in 2022 at Hyundai Samho in South Korea, the Manzanillo Express will be the biggest vessel in Foroohari's fleet. Its previous flagship was the 6,494-TEU BF Hamburg, an Imabari 6300 type. The company's fleet of 19 ships ranges from 509-TEU feeders to mid-size panamax vessels.

The ship is backed by a 10-year charter with Hapag-Lloyd, running through 2032. With a deadweight of 140,488 tons, length of 335 metres, beam of 51 metres and 2,220 reefer plugs, it is tailored for trades heavy in refrigerated cargo, particularly in Latin America.

The deal reduces Capital Ship Management's exposure in this vessel class. The Greek firm retains two sisterships - the Buenaventura Express and Itajai Express - both built in 2023 and also chartered long-term to Hapag-Lloyd.