Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) is adding neo-panamax containerships and feeder boxships to its ever-growing newbuilding shopping list that may see the company splashing out over $1.5bn to acquire owned tonnage.

According to shipbuilding sources, MSC is holding discussions with shipyards in South Korea for at least six 15,000-teu vessels and up to 10 feeder ships of 1,800 teu with a Chinese shipyard.