Eckship, a German shipping company specializing in heavy-lift and heavy-cargo transportation, has launched a new shipbuilding program to expand its fleet by up to six 15,200 DWT heavy-lift vessels, thereby strengthening its market position in the project cargo, heavy-cargo, and general cargo sectors.
The new vessels are expected to be delivered starting in the second quarter of 2028; the shipbuilder has not yet been disclosed.
This heavy-lift vessel features a forward-mounted bridge and will be equipped with two 350-ton cranes, providing a combined maximum lifting capacity of 700 tons. Designed specifically for the transport of heavy-lift cargo, the vessel supports open-top operations and is equipped with equipment suitable for navigation on the Great Lakes, thereby expanding its potential operational range.
Data indicates that Eckship primarily provides shipping business and vessel operation services to shipowners and cargo owners, specializing in the transport of project cargo, heavy lift cargo, and general cargo. Founded in 2007 as Arkon Projects, the company underwent a series of ownership changes involving Arkon Shipping and the Rhenus Group. Following founder Thomas Cord’s acquisition of Rhenus’s stake, the company was renamed Eckship at the end of 2024.
Currently, Eckship operates a versatile fleet of heavy-lift vessels specializing in the transport of industrial equipment, energy-related cargo, infrastructure components, and other oversized cargo. This newbuild program marks the company’s first major fleet expansion project since its rebranding.