MPC Container Ships ASA (MPCC) has committed to ordering two 1,600 TEU container vessels, marking a total investment of USD 66 million.
These vessels, under construction at Fujian Mawei Shipyard in China, are accompanied by an eight-year charter agreement with a distinguished shipping liner. The arrival of these ships is slated for the second half of 2027, and MPCC has secured options for additional units to capitalise on future market shifts.
Modernising for Energy Efficiency
The newly commissioned ships are designed for high energy efficiency, surpassing current ECO designs. Specifically tailored for operations in Northern Europe, these vessels can navigate narrow fairways while offering significant fuel savings.
This initiative is part of MPCC’s broader fleet modernisation strategy, aimed at boosting energy efficiency and adhering to regulatory and environmental standards.
Focus on Regional Trades
MPCC specialises in the ownership and operation of small to medium-sized container vessels
Headquartered in Oslo, MPCC specialises in the ownership and operation of small to medium-sized container vessels. Their portfolio predominantly serves regional trade routes under long-term charter contracts. This strategic fleet enhancement supports MPCC’s goals of maintaining competitive market positioning.
Legal Expertise in Maritime Transactions
The advisory role for this project was undertaken by Watson Farley & Williams (WFW). The WFW Maritime team was led by Dr. Christian Finnern, Hamburg Corporate Partner, with support from Associates Maximilian Hennig and Bjarne Ruthke.
Additional regulatory insights were provided by Hamburg partner Dr. F. Maximilian Boemke, while London partners Joe McGladdery and Charles Buss contributed on English law aspects. Dr. Finnern stated, "It was a pleasure to advise MPCC on this strategic step. The transaction is exemplary for fleet modernisation and market positioning – and at the same time reflects the dynamics of an industry that calls for strategic decisions and legal clarity more than ever."
Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised shipping company - MPC Container Ships ASA (“MPCC”) on the order of two 1,600 TEU container ships and related eight-year charter agreements with a renowned shipping liner company.
The contracts for the two high-cube container-optimised newbuilds were signed with the Fujian Mawei Shipyard in China, with the total investment amounting to US$66 million. Delivery of the two vessels is scheduled for the second half of 2027. MPCC also holds options for further units, enabling future scalability in line with market opportunities.
Increasing energy efficiency
The new vessels feature a highly advanced, fuel-efficient design optimised for operations in Northern Europe
The new vessels feature a highly advanced, fuel-efficient design optimised for operations in Northern Europe and its narrow fairways, whilst offering further efficiency advantages, even compared to existing ECO designs in this market segment.
The order is part of MPCC's strategic fleet modernisation programme aimed at increasing energy efficiency and minimising regulatory and environmental risks.
Oslo-based MPCC is a container ship owner with a focus on small to medium-sized vessels. It primarily owns and operates a portfolio of container ships serving regional trade routes under long-term charter agreements.
Portfolio of container ships
The WFW Maritime team that advised MPCC was led by Hamburg Corporate Partner, Dr. Christian Finnern, supported by Associates Maximilian Hennig and Bjarne Ruthke. Hamburg Partner, Dr F. Maximilian Boemke advised on regulatory matters, whilst London Partners, Joe McGladdery and Charles Buss in advised on English law.
Christian commented: “It was a pleasure to advise MPCC on this strategic step. The transaction is exemplary for fleet modernisation and market positioning – and at the same time reflects the dynamics of an industry that calls for strategic decisions and legal clarity more than ever. Our maritime transaction expertise enables us to advise on such complex projects in a targeted and forward-looking manner.”
