Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) is poised to order at least two panamax containership newbuildings at a Chinese shipyard.

Shipbuilding sources say MSC has inked a letter of intent with China's state-owned Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding for two conventionally-fuelled 4,200-teu vessels for delivery in 2024. It is not known if the deal includes any optional ships.

Officials at Mawei were not available for comment.