Greek shipowner Conbulk has placed its first newbuilding order, contracting two 5,000-TEU containerships at China's Yangzhou Guoyu Shipbuilding, reported Singapore's Splash 247.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery from late 2027. Prices were not disclosed, though brokers estimate similar mid-size box ships in China at about US$60 million each.

The move marks a strategic shift for Conbulk, led by Dimitris Dalakouras, which has traditionally grown its fleet through second hand purchases. The Piraeus-based company controls 34 ships, mainly feeder box ships and two bulk carriers, with its latest addition being the 3,450-TEU Adelie P acquired earlier this year.

Yangzhou Guoyu, reorganised under new ownership after a 2021 bankruptcy, has attracted renewed interest from foreign buyers. In September, Chartworld Shipping signed a letter of intent for up to eight 3,100-TEU vessels at the yard.

Container newbuilding activity remains firm across vessel sizes from 1,800 to 6,000 TEU, with most contracts placed at Chinese yards. MB Shipbrokers said a major European carrier, understood to be Hapag-Lloyd, is close to ordering methanol dual-fuel ships in the 3,500 TEU and 4,500 TEU ranges.

Despite softer pricing for larger tonnage, demand for feeder and mid-size box ships is strong. Brokers noted that competition from smaller and non-traditional yards is helping stabilise prices as builders seek to capture a share of the resurgent feeder market.