Seaspan is pushing further beyond its boxship roots, placing its first order in the dry bulk space with a series of open-hatch multipurpose vessels.

The container leasing giant has contracted China’s New Dayang Shipbuilding to build four 65,200 dwt ships, with deliveries lined up for 2029.

The vessels are designed with gantry cranes and box-shaped cargo holds, allowing for flexible loading across a range of cargoes, including project and breakbulk shipments. The yard said the design will combine improved manoeuvrability with higher loading efficiency.

The move into multipurpose tonnage adds another layer for Seaspan, which has traditionally focused on containerships but has been steadily expanding into adjacent segments.

With a fleet of more than 180 ships and over 50 newbuildings on order, the company has been using its scale and leasing model to branch out into new markets.

New Dayang, part of Sumec Group, has built a strong reputation in bulk carriers and is now positioning itself to deliver more specialised vessel types. The yard said the project would help revive domestic construction of open-hatch vessels, a segment that has seen little activity in China for decades.

Seaspan’s diversification drive has been building pace in recent years. Since late 2023, it has entered the car carrier market through a partnership with Hyundai Glovis, ordering a series of large PCTCs.

The company has also been lining up a move into gas shipping. Toward the end of 2025, Seaspan signalled plans to enter the ethane carrier segment, underlining a broader push to build out a multi-segment leasing platform beyond its core boxship business.