Norwegian-based Blystad Group is set to expand its boxship exposure with three newbuildings from China.

Brokers report that Arne Blystad’s investment firm has signed up for 3,000 teu vessels at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry.

The total value of the order stands at approximately $129m, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.

Oslo-based Blystad Group has a history of ordering containerships. Arne Blystad launched a new container shipping venture called Songa Box, following the sale of his previous container company, Songa Container, to MPC Container Ships in 2021.

The new box vehicle ordered three 1,800 teu newbuildings at China’s Huanghai Shipbuilding and acquired six boxships Vroon as part of the Dutch owner’s exit from the container shipping sector. Later in 2024, Songa Box purchased two ships from Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), one from Leonhardt & Blumberg, and has recently been linked to a 2010-built 2,550 teu ST Success in a $27m deal with Japan’s Santoku Senpaku.

The company currently operates a fleet of nine feeder ships, ranging in size from 1,700 to 2,600 teu, built between 2007 and 2024.