Ship Finance International led by Norwegian shipping tycoon, John Fredriksen, seems to be placing an order at a Korean shipbuilder for construction of a series of post-panamax large containerships which are to go on a long-term charter to a leading liner company.
According to market players, the New York-listed shipowner is to contract a charter agreement with French containership operator CMA CGM and is now in talks with Sungdong Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering of Korea for four 8,800 teu containerships, of which final contract seems just around the corner.
The price of the newbuilds has not been disclosed yet but is expected to exceed $80m apiece for delivery from late 2014 to early 2015.