China Merchants Energy Shipping has signed a shipbuilding deal with China Merchants Industry for four 3,000-TEU conventionally-fuelled containerships fitted with scrubbers, reported UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

The investment will not exceed CNY1.3 billion (US$180 million), with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2028. The company said the orders are part of its strategy to optimise fleet structure and meet development needs.

China Merchants Industry was chosen for its earlier delivery timelines, superior shipbuilding conditions and reliable construction capabilities, according to the company.

Once delivered, the vessels will be deployed to upgrade capacity and optimise existing routes, improving efficiency and competitiveness in the container shipping business.

China Merchants Energy Shipping currently operates very large crude carriers, very large ore carriers, LNG carriers, ro-ro vessels and a container fleet serving the Asia-Pacific region.