Euroseas has stepped up its investment in feeder tonnage, confirming four additional newbuild orders in China and lifting its orderbook to 10 vessels worth around $500m.

The Aristides Pittas-led owner confirmed contracts for two 1,800 teu ships at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering, alongside two 2,800 teu high-reefer vessels at Huanghai Shipbuilding.

The 1,800 teu ships were priced at about $32.5m each and are scheduled for delivery in June and September 2028. The company also retained options for up to two more vessels of the same size.

The larger 2,800 teu units — heavy on refrigerated capacity with more than 1,000 reefer plugs — were priced at roughly $46.5m each, with deliveries set for October 2028 and January 2029. These vessels were exercised as options from a March order for two similar ships, with further options still in place.

Euroseas noted that all four newbuildings would comply with EEDI Phase 3 and IMO NOx Tier III requirements and would be financed through a mix of debt and equity.

The latest orders followed earlier market talk linking the owner to new feeder tonnage in China, now confirmed as part of a broader fleet renewal and expansion strategy.

Chairman and chief executive Aristides Pittas said the move reflected confidence in the segment. “These additional orders reflect our disciplined approach to capital allocation and our confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the feeder container market,” he said.

The expansion takes Euroseas’ newbuilding programme to 10 ships, with a combined contracted cost of about $500m. Once delivered, the company said it expects to operate one of the youngest feeder and intermediate fleets among listed peers, with 19 vessels built to its own specifications.

Pittas noted that the company’s forward position remained strong. “With a contracted revenue backlog of $650 million, high charter coverage extending beyond 2028 and significant earnings visibility, we are committed and well positioned to continue growing and modernizing our fleet,” he said, adding that the company would continue to look at further opportunities.

Euroseas currently operates 21 ships, with its orderbook now stretching deliveries through to early 2029.