Seaspan Corporation announced that it has, further to a previously announced binding letter of intent, signed long-term, fixed-rate time charter contracts with Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. (Yang Ming) for five 14000 TEU class newbuilding containerships.

Concurrent with the signing of the time charter contracts and further to a previously announced commitment, Seaspan has entered into shipbuilding contracts with CSBC Corporation Taiwan (CSBC) for these five 14000 TEU class containerships. These vessels have an aggregate purchase price of approximately $550 million, are scheduled for delivery in 2016, and have a minimum time charter term of six years. Including this most recent charter, Seaspan expects to manage a total of 15 vessels on charter to Yang Ming.

These five 14000 TEU class newbuilding containerships, which will be constructed using Seaspan's fuel efficient SAVER design, remain subject to allocation in relation to the right of first refusal agreement with Greater China Intermodal Investments LLC, an investment vehicle established by Seaspan, an affiliate of global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group, and Blue Water Commerce, LLC.

Seaspan intends to fund construction of its portion of these newbuilding containerships initially with a portion of the proceeds of its previous Series D preferred share offering and, subsequently over the next few quarters, with debt financing. In addition, Seaspan is considering various sources of debt financing to which it has access. (Source: Shipbuilding Tribune)