Brazil's Estaleiro Atlantico Sul (EAS) shipyard has signed letters of intent for vital new ship orders that would keep it operational for another two years.

CEO Harro Burman said one agreement has been reached with Maersk's Alianca for two boxships, according to the Valor Economico daily.

The other company was not named, but Burman said it was a Brazilian company interested in ordering two ships for coastal trade.