Shipyards in South Korea, China and Japan are basking in a wave of fresh enquiries for containership newbuildings and are advancing projects for more than 80 vessels in total.

Brokers and yards are detailing new business that could result in orders for up to 30 ultra-large containerships of around 23,000 teu.

Japan’s Ocean Network Express, German owner Hapag-Lloyd and Mediterranean Shipping Co are understood to have signed firm or initial contracts on tonnage for this size of vessel.