It has hired the 14,000-teu boxships from Shoei Kisen Kaisha and New York-listed Costamare on long-term contracts, a statement said.

Evergreen explains the move comes as part of an effort to replace existing tonnage and hire more efficient vessels which will enhance its operating performance.

All of the newbuildings are scheduled to hit the water in 2016 and 2017, the operator said.

The five ships hired from Costamare are thought to be the same vessels booked by a European owner at Samsung Heavy Industries last week.

Costamare is believed to be paying $116m each with deliveries scheduled to take place over a 12 month period from late 2016.

The plan to build the additional post-panamax container vessels was announced after an Evergreen board meeting just before Christmas.