Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised shipping company MPC Container Ships ASA (“MPCC”) on two significant transactions aimed at the long-term optimisation and modernisation of its fleet.
MPCC contracted China’s Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering to build six 3,700 TEU container ships, with the first delivery scheduled for H2 2028. The newbuildings have been chartered on a long-term basis, with extension options, to a leading global liner shipping company. The vessels are based on a modern, energy-efficient design optimised for regional and feeder traffic and offer flexible deployment options. They are also prepared for alternative fuels and advanced emission reduction technology.
Additionally, MPCC has agreed to sell the container ship AS Clementina as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme. Handover is expected at the end of Q2 2026, once the existing charter agreement has expired. Both transactions support the company’s strategy of structurally rejuvenating its fleet, leveraging efficiency potential and building sustainable capacity.
Oslo-based MPCC is a leading container ship owner with a focus on small to medium-sized vessels. It primarily owns and operates a portfolio of container ships serving regional trade routes under long-term charter agreements.
The WFW Maritime team that advised MPCC was led by Hamburg Corporate Partner Dr Christian Finnern, supported by Associates Maximilian Hennig and Bjarne Ruthke. Hamburg partner Dr F. Maximilian Boemke advised on regulatory matters, with London Partners Joe McGladdery and Charles Buss providing English law expertise.
Christian commented: “We are delighted to have once again advised MPCC on an important step forward in its fleet modernisation programme. Throughout this year, we have represented them on a series of highly relevant transactions to support this. These latest deals show how modern newbuildings and forward-looking portfolio optimisation complement each other perfectly to meet long-term market and regulatory requirements”.
