Royal Bodewes of the Netherlands announced that it has signed a contract with German logistics company CLI to build an 8,500 DWT environmentally friendly multipurpose cargo vessel. Construction of the ship is set to begin in October 2025 at the Royal Bodewes shipyard in Hoogezand, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for the summer of 2026.
It aims to meet the increasing demands for sustainable maritime transatlantic transport between Europe and North America. Designed for high-speed service, the RB 8500 aims to increase operational capacity, ensuring at least one extra voyage per year on the transatlantic route can be reached comparing to the current vessel trading on this route, offering both environmental benefits and enhanced service reliability.
One of the key features of the RB 8500 is its readiness for methanol fuel, facilitated by a MAN main engine, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly innovation in the shipping industry. In addition, the vessel will be equipped with an Eco Flettner rotor sail which directly reduces the CO2 emission of the vessel while she maintains a rather high speed.
Furthermore, two Liebherr cranes, each with a lifting capacity of 80 tons, making it well-suited for heavy-duty cargo operations.
In related news, Royal Bodewes has recently laid keel for a 6,735 DWT cargo vessel ordered by Finnish shipowner Meriaura. The two parties have signed a shipbuilding contract in spring 2024 for a total of two vessels. The new vessels can use both biofuels and diesel, and are scheduled to be delivered in January and December 2026 respectively.