Dutch group Spliethoff is expanding its fleet with eight new multipurpose (MPP) vessels to be built in China.
The private shipowner said Wuhu Shipyard will build the series, with two optional ships attached.
Delivery will be from the first quarter of 2028. No price has been mentioned.
The move comes hot on the heels of its takeover of compatriot shipowner ForestWave Navigation, announced last week.
The new L-type vessels are specially designed for the transport of various dry cargo types, including paper products, bulk cargo, project cargo and containers.
The owner said the units will be ice-class 1A and 203 metres in length.
Capacity will be 28,600 dwt, making them the largest vessels in the Spliethoff fleet.
“The energy-efficient vessels are designed with slender hull lines and will be prepared for the use of future fuels,” the company added.
The bridge is located at the front and there will be three cranes of 150-tonne capacity.
The deck is large and free from obstructions, making it suitable for cargo with large dimensions, Spliethoff explained.
Important role in sustainability
Chief commercial officer Michael van den Heuvel said: “We are convinced that we will have secured excellent service to our clients for the future and look forward to welcoming these energy-efficient vessels into our fleet.”
“We are proud of this step forward and believe that the L-type will play an important role in the sustainable future of our company,” he added.
The takeover of ForestWave Navigation will create a multipurpose shipping giant with a fleet of 147 vessels.
The all-Dutch deal sees Spliethoff emerge as the majority shareholder through a “strategic alliance” that marks the latest consolidation in the multipurpose sector.
Spliethoff is already one of the largest MPP operators with a fleet of 117 vessels ranging from 2,100 dwt to 23,000 dwt.
That will grow with the addition of 30 MPP vessels operated by ForestWave ranging from 5,000 to 12,500 dwt.
At the beginning of last year, Forestwave acquired private equity-backed compatriot Symphony Shipping and its fleet of eight Ecobox vessels.
That deal saw ForestWave’s fleet increase to 24 units, excluding three newbuildings.
