Chinese intra-Asia carrier Asean Seas Line (ASL) has embarked on another round of fleet expansion.
CA Shipping, ASL’s joint venture with China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s leasing unit CSSC Shipping, made firm orders for four 1,600 TEU ships at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding.
These orders were inked less than a month after CA Shipping commissioned four 1,100 TEU vessels at another CSSC yard, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, for delivery in 2024. The orders at Wenchong, expected for completion in 2025, come with options for another four units.
CA Shipping is 60% owned by CSSC Shipping, with ASL holding the other 40%.
ASL, which operates its services with eight to 10 chartered ships at any one time, has been expanding its newbuildings after making its maiden order at Wenchong, for two 1,900 TEU ships in March 2021. In March, ASL contracted a pair of 1,800 TEU vessels at Huanghai Shipbuilding. These newbuildings will be completed in 2023.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
