The company said it has teamed up with GNS Shipping/Nordic Hamburg and Arkon Shipping on the vessels, which will use LNG, but could also use conventional bunkers.

The order is for two firm ships, plus two options, but the yard has not been disclosed.

Containerships will be chartering the units over the long term, while the owner and technical manager will be GNS Shipping/Nordic Hamburg.

Arkon will provide commercial management.

The first two will be delivered in 2016.

"Containerships will thus be the first short-sea container operator in Europe to run ships on LNG," it said.

It added the vessels will offer the most efficient and environmentally friendly option for transporting containers by sea, and will exceed environmental standards in the sulphur emission control area (SECA).