Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard has secured an order for up to six panamax containership newbuildings, as demand for midsize vessels steps up.

The privately-owned Chinese shipbuilding company is linked to the series of 5,300-teu boxship newbuildings that Navios Maritime Partners unveiled this week.

The Angeliki Frangou-led company has signed up for four firm vessels plus options for two additional ships.