U.S.-listed Greek dry cargo vessel owner and operator, Navios Maritime Partners, has placed an order for two methanol-ready 7,900 TEU containerships at a South Korean shipyard.
The vessels will be built by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) at a cost of approximately $106 million each, according to data from Intermodal. These vessels are believed to be chartered by Singapore-based Ocean Network Express (ONE), with operations scheduled to begin upon delivery in 2027 and run through 2030.
Methanol-Ready Vessels with Environmental Features
The two containerships will be methanol-ready and equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), commonly known as scrubbers. These systems are designed to remove particulate matter and harmful substances such as sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from ship emissions. As a result, the vessels are projected to have a minimal environmental impact, aligning with modern sustainability goals in shipping.
Strengthening Navios’ Fleet and Investments
This latest order brings Navios Maritime Partners’ total contract value with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction to an estimated $424 million. The company’s growing orderbook now includes around 32 vessels, as part of a multi-billion dollar investment. Of these, three are bulk carriers, while the remainder consists of containerships and crude oil tankers. All are expected to enter service within the next three years.
Navios is part of a broader trend among Greek shipowners who are heavily investing in newbuild container vessels, reflecting their continued confidence in the sector’s growth.
Additional Investments in Dual-Fuel Vessels
According to data from Vessels Value, in June of this year, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction—a South Korean shipbuilder—ordered four 7,900 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel Post-Panamax vessels from Navios Maritime Partners. These ships are expected to be completed and delivered by 2027.
Previous Fleet Expansions
In 2021, following the announcement of Navios Maritime Partners’ merger with tanker owner Navios Maritime Acquisition, the company strengthened its fleet by adding six 5,300 TEU newbuilding containerships, each costing $61.6 million.
Current Fleet Overview
Today, Navios Maritime Partners owns a fleet of 178 vessels, including 41 boxships with a total carrying capacity of 15.9 million dwt and 247,764 TEU.
