Singapore’s Pacific International Lines (PIL) has returned to China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding for five LNG dual-fuel containerships.

The company has contracted 9，000 teu vessels bringing its newbuilding campaign since 2022 to 18. In addition to being LNG-powered， the vessels will be able to switch to running on bio-methane， PIL said.

The order follows another five LNG dual-fuel boxships of 13，000 teu PIL booked for construction at Hudong-Zhonghua in August.

“PIL is demonstrating our commitment to renew， expand and modernise our fleet，” said Lars Kastrup， chief executive of PIL， adding that the company is aiming to replace up to half of its fleet in the next decade with modern new ships and charters as part of the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Delivery of the latest series is expected in 2027 and 2028. The value of the order has not been revealed， but shipbuilding sources suggested earlier the newbuilds would come at $140m each.