Gianluigi Aponte’s Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) is looking to expand its fleet with a series of 11,000-teu vessels.

Market sources say the liner company needs up to 10 newbuildings for the north/south trades and has kicked off by ordering four units directly from Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction (HHIC)’s Subic Bay facility.

MSC is said to have signed a letter of intent for the ships (LOI) with the Philippines-based yard.