Zhonggu Logistics is said to be looking to expand its fleet with a mega order for 20 panamax containerships.

Shipbuilding players said the Shanghai-based liner company is eyeing a series of 4,600-teu vessels for delivery in late 2022 or early 2023 for the domestic trade.

Zhonggu is said to be holding talks with five or six Chinese shipyards.

Shipbuilding players added that Zhonggu is likely to pay less than $35m apiece for the vessels as the specifications for ships intended for domestic trades are lower than those for oceangoing boxships.