Germany's Rhenus-Arkon-Shipinvest (RHAS) has made its first move into shipowning with a new order in China.
The company has contracted four 4,200-dwt general cargo vessels at Dayang Offshore.
They will be delivered in 2021, but no price has been given.
The company said the vessels would form its own ecological short-sea fleet.
The Hanse Eco Short Sea Coasters are the result of an initiative launched by Torsten Westphal, one of the founding members of Arkon Shipping.
“Our Hanse-Eco fleet is pointing the way forwards so that we can meet climate protection requirements and also make sensible use of the mega trend of digitalisation. We’re providing a high standard for European shipping 2.0 – from the planning stage until the vessels are put into service,” said managing shareholder Westphal.
Having the bridge at the front provides a clear view during deck loading procedures and the innovative hull shape reduces fuel consumption, the company said.
Hybrid and organic
An enlarged hold length also makes it possible to transport project loads as well as classic bulk and break-bulk cargo.
There is a hybrid propulsion system with an organic catalytic converter, support from an electrical motor and a waste gas after-treatment unit.
The main engine can also use organic fuel.
“An integrated automation system and using the latest camera technology simplify the operational processes on board and in ports and reduce the administrative work needing to be completed by captains,” said RHAS managing director Ralf Uebachs.
RHAS was formed earlier this year when logistics group Rhenus took a stake in German shipmanager Arkon Shipping with an eye on growth.
The two sides said the investment would take the form of a 40% increase in its share capital.
Arkon manages a fleet of more than 120 sea-going vessels, including containerships and bulkers.
KG move to build fleet
RHAS is a KG investment company set up to expand the fleet.
Broker Westphal and shipowners Herm and Stefan Jungerhans and Gerd Wessels each have a 20% shareholding in Arkon in addition to Rhenus, which has annual revenue of EUR 4.6bn ($4.95bn).
Arkon was established in 1995 by Westphal, Gerhard Wessels and Heinrich Jungerhans.
It has 45 employees in Haren, Hamburg and Lisbon.
