UK-based Zodiac Maritime is closing in on a series of neo-panamax containership newbuildings as other owners are linked to enquiries for similar-size units.

Industry sources say Zodiac is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries on an order for up to five boxship newbuildings of around 11,000 teu in size, describing the business as “well developed”.

They indicate the price per vessel is just shy of the $90m mark.

One says Zodiac is expected to select an exhaust gas scrubber system to comply with incoming tougher emissions control regulations from 2020.

A company executive did not respond to a request for comment on the newbuilding talk.

Zodiac currently lists 41 containerships in its fleet, with sizes ranging from 500 to 13,100 teu.

Newbuilding market watchers say Evergreen Marine has also circulated a requirement for up to six 14,000-teu vessels. But after TradeWinds print deadline the shipowner poured cold water on the suggestion.

"After checking with related departments, currently Evergreen does not have such a plan," a spokesperson said.

Brokers have linked Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Maritime & Trading to an enquiry for four to five containerships in the similar-size range, although one source says no such discussions are taking place.

Senior shipyard officials acknowledge the increase in enquiries for containerships in the 11,000 to 15,000-teu size range but are reluctant to name potential clients or give further details of their requirements.

One official says he believes the bulk of the enquiry is “somewhat speculative” and, while market rates may not justify the orders at present, he suggests companies are banking on a recovery in the next one to two years when these newbuildings will deliver.

Others say they feel the boxship players have also been spurred on by the newbuilding orders on ultra large containerships from companies such as Mediterranean Shipping Co and CMA CGM.

They suggest the pricing on the neo-panamax vessels may be proving attractive for shipowners wanting to take a punt or renew their fleet.

Yard bosses add that shipowners are currently asking wide-ranging questions on fuelling options for their vessels and requesting pricing options on dual-fuel newbuildings, LNG-ready ships and the fitting of exhaust gas scrubbing systems.

This article has been updated after its initial publication to reflect comments from Evergreen.