@MattyBoy - It looks like it's for the port and stbd hand running lights. It's a very unusual arrangement though, particularly as they could have put them on the bridge wings with no issues what so ever...

COSCO data shows that she is a container ship of 1427 TEU capacity, built 2014, LOA 160.31

And the small square board at the bow just to the right of the number 7. Is that for the nav light? There looks like there's one on the other side too.

I think you're right !

... Is it me, or is the paint in the middle of the hull a different tone to the paint at the bow and stern?

It does make you wonder where these vessels are built !