Danaos Corporation, a Greek owner, has been linked to an order for two new container ships worth $218 million in China. This order includes two 9,200 teu ships at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company (SWS), which will soon be added to the company’s fleet.
Order Details and Delivery Timeline
According to sources, each of these ships has been ordered at a price of approximately $109 million, with their delivery scheduled for 2029. However, neither Danaos Corporation nor the shipyard has yet officially confirmed this agreement. If finalized, this will be Danaos's first newbuilding contract at the Waigaoqiao yard.
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Fleet Expansion and Recent Investments
Danaos Corporation has frequently received orders from Chinese shipyards in recent years, distributing these orders among several yards to modernize and expand its container fleet. The company currently has seven other 9,200 teu ships under construction at different shipyards in China, with delivery planned for 2027 and 2028.
Recent investments by Danaos include six 1,800 teu ships ordered last November, which are expected to be delivered by 2029. Additionally, the company has ordered four 5,300 teu ships at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong in February.
In a recent update released in early October, the number of operational ships in the company was reported to be 78 vessels with a total capacity of 502,265 teu, and an additional 28 new ships with a capacity of 177,776 teu are under construction.
Market Status and Future Plans
In addition to container activities, Danaos has significantly invested in the dry bulk sector. The company owns 11 capesize vessels and is also constructing four new 211,000 dwt ships, with total investments in this sector estimated at around $297 million.
The Danaos Group is also seeking to separately list its bulk carrier business in Oslo, including the possibility of selling minority stakes as part of efforts to unlock value from the fleet. However, sources indicate that these plans have been put on hold due to the inability to achieve a suitable valuation and weak market conditions in the dry bulk sector.
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