China’s Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company, together with China Shipbuilding Trading, has signed a contract with South Korean liner operator CK Line for the construction of two firm plus two optional 6,400-teu containerships.

The deal, signed in Guangzhou, marks another step in the cooperation between the two companies after Huangpu Wenchong delivered two 2,700-teu containerships to CK Line in 2025. It also highlights the Chinese yard’s growing presence among Asian regional carriers seeking efficient and environmentally competitive tonnage.

The new vessels were designed by the 708 Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). Each ship will measure 240 metres in length with a beam of 42.8 metres, featuring a deadweight capacity of about 80,310 tonnes and a nominal capacity of 6,406 teu.

The ships will be equipped with 1,150 reefer container slots, providing enhanced flexibility for refrigerated cargo operations. The design focuses on large cargo capacity, lower unit transportation costs, high operational flexibility, improved speed performance and environmental efficiency.

CK Line mainly operates container services connecting China, South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. The company has maintained a strong presence in intra-Asia trade, where demand for modern mid-sized containerships has remained resilient amid changing regional supply chains and the continued growth of short-sea and regional networks.

For Huangpu Wenchong, the latest order further strengthens its position in the international feeder and regional containership market. The shipbuilder has developed a comprehensive containership portfolio covering 1,900-teu, 3,000-teu, 4,300-teu, 5,300-teu and 6,400-teu designs.

The yard has secured a total of 26 orders for 6,000-teu-class containerships, with customers including major shipping companies from Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The accumulated orderbook demonstrates the competitiveness of Chinese shipyards in the mid-sized containership segment, where owners are increasingly seeking fuel-efficient vessels with flexible deployment options.

The latest CK Line contract also reflects a broader trend in the containership market: while ultra-large vessels continue to dominate major east-west trades, demand for medium-sized ships is being supported by regionalisation of trade flows, network adjustments and the expansion of intra-Asian services.

With its expanding containership portfolio and growing international customer base, Huangpu Wenchong is positioning itself as one of the leading Chinese builders in the global mid-sized containership sector.