Executive Summary
TS Lines has signed a shipbuilding agreement with CSSC Huangpu Wenchong for four additional 5,300 TEU container ships. With this order, the number of vessels under construction for TS Lines at Huangpu Wenchong rises to 16. The series supports long-term cost stability through higher owned capacity and improved fuel efficiency.
Order Update
In August 2025, TS Lines confirmed four more 5,300 TEU container ships at Huangpu Wenchong. The company also amended a previous (June 2024) contract, upgrading two vessels from 4,300 TEU to 5,300 TEU. The upgraded batch shares a common platform with the latest order, which helps reduce spare parts and crew training costs.
Strategic Rationale
Increasing the share of owned tonnage is a key mid‑to‑long‑term strategy for TS Lines. Compared with chartered ships, owned vessels are less exposed to charter‑rate volatility and term constraints, improving cost stability and deployment flexibility across cycles. The newbuilds meet EEDI Phase 3 and CII requirements to lower fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with potential carbon‑pricing and green‑corridor policies.
Fleet Timeline (2025)
June: order for two 14,000 TEU methanol‑ready vessels and two 9,000 TEU
conventional‑fuel vessels
July: order for ten 9,000 TEU vessels
August: four additional 5,300 TEU vessels; earlier 4,300 → 5,300 TEU upgrade confirmed
Capacity Outlook
According to recent Alphaliner figures (Aug 2025), TS Lines operates a fleet ranked around 21st globally. With the full newbuilding program delivered, the company’s owned‑capacity ratio and total deployed capacity are expected to rise further, supporting its competitiveness on intra‑Asia and Transpacific trades.