Israel’s XT Shipping has returned to the newbuilding market with a series of midsize containership orders in China, underlining renewed confidence in the container sector.

Shipbroking sources say the Tel Aviv-based owner is behind an order for four 6,000 teu containerships at Hengli Shipbuilding, with delivery scheduled for 2028. The deal was disclosed by Hengli’s parent company, Guangdong Songfa Ceramics, in late December, without naming the owner, as well as by the yard as part of a wider batch of 11 newbuilds inked with a group of international owners.

XT Shipping is the maritime arm of Idan Ofer and Udi Angel’s XT Group, formerly known as Ofer Holdings Group before rebranding in 2012. The group has interests spanning shipping, logistics, technology and energy.

Industry players said the vessels are likely contracted against long-term charter coverage, a structure increasingly favoured by owners seeking earnings visibility.

XT Shipping operates a diversified fleet that includes bulk carriers, containerships and car carriers, and has previously taken part in both newbuilding projects and vessel pools. The order adds to XT Shipping’s recent newbuilding activity in China. The company is also understood to have signed up for at least two 3,160 teu containerships at China Merchants Weihai, with each vessel priced at around $43m.