CKY alliance partners Cosco and Yang Ming Marine are planning orders for up to 22 ultra-large containerships (ULCs) that could be worth well over $3bn.

Informed sources say China’s Cos­co is ready to join the jumbo boxship league of 20,000-teu vessels and has contacted local yards over a potential 11-ship series.

TradeWinds understands that state-owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC) and Sino-joint venture Nantong Cosco KHI Engineering Co (Nacks) have been approached for the ultra-large ships.