Dutch shipping company Spliethoff Group has placed an order for up to ten energy-efficient multi-purpose vessels at Wuhu Shipyard in China.
As informed, the contract includes eight firm ships with two additional vessels. The new series of ships will be delivered starting the first quarter of 2028.
The L-type vessels are engineered for the efficient transport of various dry cargo types, including paper products, bulk materials, project cargo, and containers.
These Finnish/Swedish 1A Ice-classed ships will measure 203.25 meters in length and 28.25 meters in width, with a maximum draft of 10.5 meters. With a total capacity of around 33,700 cbm and a deadweight of 28,600 mt, they are the largest vessels in the Spliethoff fleet., according to the company.
Designed with energy efficiency in mind, these units feature streamlined hull lines and are prepared for future fuel options. The bridge is positioned at the front, to enhance visibility and maneuverability.
For cargo handling, they are equipped with five side loaders and three cranes, each with a lifting capacity of 150 mt, which can be combined for a maximum safe working load of 300 mt.
“We are convinced that we will have secured the 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,” Michael van den Heuvel, CCO of Spliethoff Group.
To remind, Spliethoff recently acquired ForestWave, a compatriot company active in the multipurpose shortsea segment, expanding the number of vessels commercially operated by the firm to a combined fleet of over 140 vessels.