Germany’s HS Schiffahrts Group and ship financier Mare Trust have launched a project to order up to 10 multi-purpose vessels, according to TradeWinds.
The two parties confirmed firm orders for four 12,500 DWT multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels at Jiangsu Soho Chuangke Shipbuilding in China, scheduled for delivery between August 2027 and February 2029.
Additionally, six option orders were secured in a “2+2+2” combination, meaning the shipbuilding program could ultimately expand to ten vessels. According to Mare Trust’s website, the 12,500 DWT vessels will cost $30 million each with deliveries scheduled between August 2027 and February 2029.
If all optional orders are fulfilled, the total price tag for this series of newbuildings will reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Mare Trust plans to invest up to €100 million (approximately $117.5 million) in the project. The Oldenburg-based investment firm has currently invested in 65 vessels, primarily feeder containerships, dry bulk carriers, and multi-purpose vessels.
This contract marks a significant expansion of HS Shipping Group’s multi-purpose vessel portfolio. The Haren-based shipowner currently operates five multi-purpose vessels ranging from 8,200 to 13,500 DWT and manages approximately 36 vessels in the feeder container and dry bulk sectors.
This newbuilding plan comes amid a new wave of ordering activity in the multi-purpose vessel market. Other European shipowners have also taken action recently: Carsten Rehder Shipbroking and Shipping Company has ordered four 7,500 DWT multi-purpose vessels at the Garden Reach Shipyard in India, with an option to order two more; another British investor has ordered up to four 12,600 DWT vessels from Shandong Luhai Equipment Group, with delivery expected in 2027.