Spliethoff Group is expanding its fleet with an order for six multipurpose vessels in China.
The Amsterdam-based company has put pen to paper with Zhejiang Ouhua Shipbuilding Co for a sextet of new R-Class 18,000-gt vessels, able to operate in remote areas such as the Arctic.
The Chinese yard will deliver the first newbuilding in January 2019 and the remaining five will follow in two-month intervals.
A spokersperson for Spliethoff told TradeWinds: "We are focusing on projects worldwide and specifically in remote areas like the Arctic.
"Due to the LOA of 165 meters and the accommodation in front, the vessels are very suitable for holding cargo of considerable size and length."
The newbuildings will be named Raamgracht, Realengracht, Reguliersgracht, Rijpgracht, Ringgracht and Rozengracht and will operate under the Spliethoff Group brand.
The spokesperson added: "Spliethoff is continuously and carefully planning ahead to meet future business demand.
"With this order, at a competitive price level, Spliethoff is well equipped to serve the market."
Spliethoff is a regular at the Ouhua shipyard, where it has built around a dozen ships.
The newbuildings will be equipped with scrubbers to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.
The heavylift specialist controls a fleet of over 100 ships through its six subsidiaries and currently has one vessel under construction..
