George Economou-led TMS Group Orders LNG-Powered Containerships from Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard
China’s Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard has recently confirmed an order for up to 10 liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered dual-fuel containerships from Greek shipping magnate George Economou-led TMS Group.
The deal, signed at the beginning of February 2025, includes six firm Neo-Panamax boxships and an option for four additional vessels, with a total contract value of $1.4 billion. Delivery of the vessels is expected between 2027 and 2029.
According to the shipyard, the newly ordered containerships will measure 299 meters in length, 48.2 meters in beam, and 27 meters in depth.
This collaboration with TMS Group marks the first time that George Economou’s company has worked with Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard. It also signifies TMS Group’s reentry into the container market after a four-year hiatus, following a previous order for methanol-ready 7,900 TEU boxships from South Korea’s HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.
TMS Group, with a fleet of over 130 vessels across various segments including tankers, bulk carriers, and gas carriers, manages its operations through subsidiaries like TMS Cardiff Gas, TMS Tankers, TMS Dry, and TMS Bulkers. The Greek shipowner reportedly has more than 40 vessels currently on order.
In recent news, TMS Tankers welcomed two new environmentally friendly Suezmax tankers, named Ipanema and Toska, in December. These tankers, constructed by China’s New Times Shipbuilding and launched in October 2024, feature impressive dimensions of 274 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 23.2 meters in depth.