Dubai-based shipowner Emarat Maritime has ordered up to six feeder containerships at China’s Guangji Xinneng Shipbuilding.

According to Clarksons Research， the company has contracted three firm 930 teu vessels with options for a further three units. Delivery of the firm vessels is scheduled for 2028. No price has been revealed.

The order will bolster Emarat Maritime’s existing container shipping activities. While best known as a tanker and dry bulk owner， the UAE company already operates a small containership fleet and has been steadily broadening its interests beyond its traditional markets.

Broker Braemar said the owner had opted for newbuildings after spending years assessing opportunities in the secondhand market.

Headquartered in Dubai， Emarat Maritime operates a fleet of 19 vessels spanning the tanker， dry bulk and container sectors. The privately owned company controls LR1 and LR2 tankers， supramax and ultramax bulk carriers， and a handful of containerships， while also maintaining an active newbuilding programme.