Oslo, Norway | December 16, 2025 – MPC Container Ships ASA (MPCC) has solidified its position as the primary architect of the modern intra-regional trade, announcing a sweeping strategic overhaul that includes a USD 292.5 million newbuilding program.
The move, announced on December 16, 2025, sees the Oslo-listed tonnage provider ordering six 3,700 TEU vessels from China’s Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering. This isn’t just a capacity grab; it is a calculated bet on the “Decarbonized Feeder“ of the future.
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The Multi-Fuel Ready Design
The six new vessels, scheduled for delivery starting in H2 2028, are a masterclass in flexibility. In an era where fuel regulations are tightening monthly, MPCC has opted for a design that is:
- Fuel Optimized: Engineered for regional speed profiles, significantly lowering the “slot cost” compared to 20-year-old legacy tonnage.
- Future-Proofed: The ships are officially “alternative fuel ready,” allowing for conversion to green methanol or ammonia as the bunkering infrastructure matures in the 2030s.
- Commercially De-risked: Every vessel has already secured a 10-year time charter with a “Top 5” global liner, generating an expected USD 288 million in EBITDA.
The Uthalden Joint Venture: Capital Efficiency
In a sophisticated move to optimize its balance sheet, MPCC has established a 50/50 Joint Venture with Uthalden AS. The JV will take ownership of two 4,500 TEU newbuildings currently on MPCC’s books. By bringing in a strategic partner, MPCC is “freeing up capital” to fund its larger 17-ship order book without over-leveraging. It is a textbook example of modern shipping finance, maintaining growth while keeping more than 50% of the fleet debt-free.
Exit of the “AS CLEMENTINA”
As part of its relentless fleet modernization, MPCC is divesting the AS Clementina for USD 24 million.
- The Logic: Built in 2006, the vessel is approaching its 20-year class renewal in 2026, a point where maintenance costs and environmental compliance (CII ratings) begin to erode profitability.
- The Win: Selling now allows MPCC to exit an older asset while the secondhand market remains firm, recycling capital into the more efficient 3,700 TEU series.
CEO Perspective: A Transformational Year
Commenting on the strategic milestones, Constantin Baack, CEO of MPC Container Ships, stated:
“2025 has proven to be a transformational year for MPCC. With yet another newbuilding order against a long-term charter with a top-tier counterpart, we have in total 17 state-of-the-art newbuildings on order with deliveries from 2026 and onwards.”
“These measures strengthen our strategic partnerships, enhance earnings visibility, and reinforce our commitment to long-term value creation. As a result, our contracted backlog now exceeds USD 2 billion, providing exceptional visibility and positioning MPCC for sustainable growth and resilience in the years ahead. I am also pleased that we have further advanced on additional portfolio and financing initiatives, including teaming up with Uthalden, a trusted partner we have successfully worked with in the past.”
About MPC Container Ships ASA
MPC Container Ships ASA (ticker code “MPCC”) is a leading container tonnage provider focusing on small to mid-size container ships. Its main activity is to own and operate a portfolio of container ships serving intra-regional trade lanes on fixed-rate charters. The Company is registered and has its business office in Oslo, Norway.
With a fleet of 51 plus specifically tailored for regional networks, MPCC provides the critical “last-mile” connectivity in global trade, increasingly defined by its commitment to fleet modernization and the integration of advanced emissions-reduction technologies.
Source: MPC Container Ships