Wan Hai Lines Ltd. announced plans to acquire six LNG-ready container vessels and lease three additional ships in a deal valued at up to NT$18.5 billion ($587 million), continuing an aggressive fleet expansion even as analysts warn of impending oversupply in container shipping.
The Taipei-based carrier said its Singapore subsidiary would purchase six dual-fuel vessels with capacity of approximately 6,000 twenty-foot equivalent units each, at a cost of $75.2 million to $82 million per ship. The total acquisition could reach $492 million, including equipment upgrades.
Separately, Wan Hai disclosed it would charter three container ships for as much as NT$3 billion ($95 million).
The announcements add to an already substantial orderbook. According to industry data, Wan Hai now has more than 30 vessels under construction across South Korean and Taiwanese shipyards, positioning itself as one of Asia’s most active buyers of new tonnage.
The expansion comes at a precarious moment for the container industry. Maritime analysts have cautioned that fleet growth is outpacing demand, with capacity expected to rise 5% to 6% this year even as freight rates on key Asia-U.S. routes have softened from 2024 peaks. Red Sea shipping disruptions have temporarily absorbed excess capacity, but a resolution could trigger sharp rate declines.
Wan Hai shares trade on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2615.
