Seaspan purchases two 2,500-TEU ships, charters them to Maersk

Hong Kong-based containership lessor Seaspan Corp. expects to take delivery of the second of two 2006-built container vessels by the end of the month and charter them to Danish ocean carrier Maersk on a four-year contract.    Seaspan Corp. has acquired two more 2,500-TEU containerships and has an agreement in place to charter the vessels to Danish ocean carrier Maersk Line on a four-year term with options for up to two additional years at increased rates, according to a statement from the company.
   The Hong Kong-based containership lessor said it has already taken delivery of one of the two 2006-built ships and expects to receive the second by the end of February, at which point its overall vessel fleet will stand at 112 ships.
   “We are proud to continue to serve an industry leader like Maersk. As the reliable solution provider, we have proven our ability, throughout the industry cycles, to grow our fleet and expand our relationship with the world’s largest liner company,” Seaspan President and CEO Bing Chen said of the news. “Seaspan remains focused on providing best in class solutions and expanding our value-added service offerings to our customers. Given our solid balance sheet, talented employees and operational strength, we are well positioned to capture growth opportunities in today’s market, and reinforce our industry leading position.”