MPC Container Ships ASA - Experts & Thought Leaders

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised shipping company - MPC Container Ships ASA (“MPCC”) on two significant transactions aimed at the long-term optimisation and modernisation of its fleet. MPCC contracted China’s Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering to build six 3,700 TEU container ships, with the first delivery scheduled for H2 2028. The newbuildings have been chartered on a long-term basis, with extension options, to a pioneering global liner shipping company. Flexible deployment options The vessels are based on a modern, energy-efficient design optimised for regional and feeder traffic and offer flexible deployment options. They are also prepared for alternative fuels and advanced emission reduction technology. Additionally, MPCC has agreed to sell the container ship AS Clementina as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme. Handover is expected at the end of Q2 2026, once the existing charter agreement has expired. Both transactions support the company's strategy of structurally rejuvenating its fleet, leveraging efficiency potential and building sustainable capacity. Focus on small to medium-sized vessels Oslo-based MPCC is a pioneering 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. 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, with London Partners Joe McGladdery and Charles Buss providing English law expertise. Long-term market and regulatory requirements Christian commented: “We are delighted to have once again advised MPCC on an important step forward in its fleet modernisation programme. Throughout this year, we have represented them on a series of highly relevant transactions to support this." "These latest deals show how modern newbuildings and forward-looking portfolio optimisation complement each other perfectly to meet long-term market and regulatory requirements”.

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised shipping company - MPC Container Ships ASA (“MPCC”) on the order of four new container ships with long-term charter agreements. The contracts for the construction of the four 4,500 TEU vessels at a price of US$58m each were signed with Chinese shipbuilder Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. Delivery is scheduled for H1 2028, with options for two additional vessels at the same price. The vessels ordered will be tailored to the charterer's requirements and sustainability goals and equipped with state-of-the-art energy-efficient technology. This will reduce slot costs by approximately 50% as MPCC continues to modernise its fleet. 10-year time charter agreement Each vessel will be operated under a 10-year time charter agreement with extension options for a major global liner shipping company, with this initial period expected to generate approximately US$375m in revenue. Oslo-based MPCC is a pioneering 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. 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, with London Partners Joe McGladdery and Charles Buss providing English law expertise. Long-standing relationship with MPCC Christian commented: “This transaction is another milestone in our long-standing relationship with MPCC.” He adds, “This order for four energy-efficient container ships with long-term charter agreements demonstrates how strategic investments secure competitiveness and sustainability in the maritime industry. We are delighted to have supported MPCC on the legal structuring and execution of this complex project.”

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.”