Alpha Bulkers signs up for first boxship newbuildings
- Anna Angelicoussis-owned shipowner has entered the containership sector for the first time
- Alpha Bulkers is said to have placed orders for 11 conventional fuel vessels across three Chinese shipyards
Alpha Bulkers is joining a growing group of Greek tanker and bulker owners diversifying into containerships
ANNA Angelicoussis’ Alpha Bulkers has made its first move into the containership sector, placing orders for 11 conventionally fuelled boxships across three size categories, according to Alphaliner.
The Greek dry cargo specialist is said to have split the orders among three Chinese shipbuilders.
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding is lined up to construct three 1,900 teu vessels, while Cosco Guangzhou Shipyard has secured contracts for four 3,100 teu ships.
Rounding out the programme, Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore will build four 4,500 teu containerships.
Contract prices have not been disclosed, but Alphaliner estimates newbuilding costs at approximately $30m for the 1,900 teu ships, $45m for the 3,100 teu units and around $59m for the 4,500 teu class vessels.
“Alpha Bulkers joins the club of Greek tanker and bulker owners that have expanded into the boxship sector,” Alphaliner noted.
Other Greek owners that have taken similar steps in the past few months include dry cargo and tanker vessel operators Latsco Shipping, Minerva Marine and Transocean Maritime.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, Alpha Bulkers currently operates 34 bulk carriers across the supramax/ultramax, kamsarmax and capesize segments.
