Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime has tied up orders for at least $500m-worth of neo-panamax containerships.

The UK-based shipowner has opted for a dual-fuel-ready design for an order of five 14,300-teu boxships to be built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

The vessels are understood to have been ordered with a long-term charter to an undisclosed major line.

Delivery is scheduled for June and November 2019, just months ahead of tougher emissions control regulations.