Dutch reefer specialist Seatrade has placed a newbuilding order for a series of up to eight 2,800 teu vessels at Huanghai Shipbuilding in China.

The initial contract covers two firm vessels scheduled for delivery in 2027, with options for six additional ships. Financial terms have not been disclosed.

The Groningen-based firm is listed with ten 1,800 teu previously booked newbuilding projects at the same yard. These ships (one of which is pictured) are equipped with over 600 reefer plugs and geared with 40-ton cranes.

The latest series, which will be the company’s largest in teu terms, is notable for its heavy reefer capacity, with over 1,000 reefer plugs per vessel.

In related news, Greek bulker and tanker owner Chios Navigation has been linked to entering the containership segment with up to four 1,800 teu newbuilds lined up at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard for delivery in late 2027 and into 2028.

Meanwhile, Danish outfit MB Shipbrokers notes that the feeder vessel segment — ranging from 1,100 to 4,300 teu — has seen a surge in newbuilding inquiries across multiple Chinese shipyards, describing the current level of demand for feeder newbuilds as the highest in several years.