G2 Ocean, a joint venture of open hatch shipowning companies Gearbulk and Grieg Maritime Group, has expanded its fleet with up to four 82,300 deadweight ton (dwt) ammonia/methanol-ready open hatch vessels.
With an overall length of 225 meters and a beam of 36 meters, the vessel design has been designated as Pulpmax, G2 Ocean revealed, adding that the vessels will have eight cargo and four electro-hydraulic jib cranes with safe working load (SWL) lifting capacity of 2 x 75 metric tonnes and 2 x 120 metric tonnes.
G2 Ocean further said that the vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines allowing them to operate both on fuel oil and ammonia/methanol, noting that a dedicated deck space on either side of the accommodation has been incorporated into the vessel design for the future installation of fuel tanks for alternative fuels.
The vessels, provided by Gearbulk, will be built by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Longxue shipyard in China, and according to G2 Ocean, the contract signed by Gearbulk with CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Longxue is firm for two vessels, with an option to purchase two more. The first two vessels are expected to be delivered to the G2 Ocean pool in the first half of 2027.
Arthur English, CEO at G2 Ocean, commented: “This expansion increases our carrying capacity and demonstrates our dedication to further grow our company while providing best-in-class services to our worldwide customers.”
Kristian Jebsen, CEO of Gearbulk Holding AG, stated: “This contract for four newbuildings marks a significant milestone for Gearbulk as these vessels are set to be the largest and most efficient in the company’s history.”
“With this investment, we are not only enhancing our operational efficiency but also reaffirming our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of global trade. It’s a proud moment for Gearbulk, and we look forward to the positive impact these vessels will bring to our customers.”
In addition to these new vessels, Grieg Maritime Group will be providing four ammonia-ready vessels to G2 Ocean’s fleet in 2026, bringing the total number of dual-fuel 82,300 dwt open hatch vessels to eight.
To remind, Grieg Maritime placed the order for up to four ammonia-ready open-hatch bulk carriers at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Longxue in China in May 2023. The deal included two vessels, with an option for an additional two. Grieg exercised this option later in the year.