Shanghai Jinjiang Shipping has ordered two 1,182-TEU eco-design containerships from Sumec Marine, with options for two more, as intra-Asia trade expands and profits surge, reports London's Lloyd's List.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Although the contract value was not disclosed, shipbrokers estimate the market price at US$22 million to US$23 million per unit.

Container Trade Statistics show intra-Asia volumes rose 4.2 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2025. Clarksons reported 1.1 million TEU of new global capacity delivered during the same period, but only 57,500 TEU - 5.2 per cent - were ships under 3,000 TEU delivered in Asia.

Jinjiang, listed in Shanghai and a subsidiary of Shanghai International Port Group, said the limited supply of small vessels has supported a balanced market. Regional freight indices have trended upwards in recent months.

The company posted CNY4 billion (US$465 million) in revenue for the first half of 2025, up 26.1 per cent year-on-year. Net profit rose 150.4 per cent to CNY4 million.

Jinjiang maintained its lead on the Shanghai-Japan route and launched the Ho Chi Minh Silk Road Express, later extended to Japan. It also introduced new services to South Asia and the Middle East.

The carrier operates 51 vessels, including 26 owned and 25 chartered, with a total capacity exceeding 56,000 TEU. It ranks 35th globally and eighth among mainland Chinese container lines, according to Alphaliner.