MULTI-PURPOSE specialist Spliethoff has placed an order with China’s Wuhu Shipyard for a new series of eight vessels, with an option for two additional vessels, delivering from the first quarter of 2028.
The L-type vessels are specially designed for the transportation of various dry cargo types, including paper products, bulk cargo, project cargo and containers. These Finnish/Swedish 1A Ice-Classed vessels will measure 203.25 m in length, 28.25 m in width, and will have a maximum draft of 10.5 m. They will have a total capacity of about 33,700 m3 and a deadweight of 28,600 mt, making them the largest vessels in the Spliethoff fleet.
Spliethoff says the energy-efficient vessels are designed with slender hull lines and will be prepared for the use of future fuels. The vessels, with the bridge located at the front, will be equipped with five lifts (side loaders) and three cranes with a capacity of 150 mt each, combinable to 300 mt SWL. The deck of these vessels is large and free from obstructions, making it suitable for cargo with large dimensions.
CCO Michael van den Heuvel said the company was proud of this step forward and believes the L-type “will play an important role in the sustainable future of our company.”
The new orders follow the recent announcement that fellow Dutch company Forest Wave will join the Spliethoff Group as its seventh business unit, officially today [30 September]. With this expansion, the number of vessels commercially operated by the Spliethoff Group has grown to a combined fleet of over 140 vessels.
Group members Spliethoff and Sevenstar Yacht Transport and ForestWave have been successfully and closely working together for quite some time in the sea transportation of mainly bulk cargoes and yachts. This cooperation will now be intensified under the umbrella of the Spliethoff Group.
Fred Diepeveen, ForestWave MD, said: “This strategic alliance with the Spliethoff Group enables us to realise our full potential. We maintain our identity and independent operations, while we benefit from new opportunities. Together we will be able to serve our clients and colleagues even better.”
ForestWave, founded in 2003, is a provider of maritime and offshore logistics services. The company, with its head office in the Netherlands and offices in the UK and Spain, operates a fleet of 30 multi-purpose vessels with loading capacities from 5,000 to 12,500 DWT. ForestWave is active in short sea and worldwide ocean transportation, mainly in European waters and the Atlantic basin. The range of services includes chartering, ship management, project development and purchase and sale of vessels. The company serves various markets, such as bulk, forest products and offshore.
Other member of the Spliehoff Group are Spliethoff itself (founded in 1921), BigLift Shipping, Bore, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, Transfennica and Wijnne Barends. Australian agents are AsiaWorld.
