SINGAPORE's Eastern Pacific Shipping has ordered for up to 12 LNG dual-fuel containership newbuilds from China's New Times Shipbuilding, reports Singapore's Splash 247.

The Idan Ofer-controlled shipowner, with one of the largest newbuilding programmes, has contracted eight firm 18,000-TEU vessels with options for four more.

The order follows the news of John Fredriksen's SFL Corporation signing up for five 16,800-TEU newbuilds at the same yard for about US$200 million apiece with deliveries expected in 2028.

Delivery details of EPS boxships were not disclosed. A price above $200 million is being placed on each of the newbuilds, industry sources suggest are back by charter deals with French liner CMA CGM.