German owners commit to major MPP newbuild programme in China

Germany’s HS Shipping Group (HS Schiffahrt) has joined forces with shipping financier Mare Trust to drive a major expansion in the multipurpose/heavylift (MPP) sector, placing newbuilding orders at Jiangsu Soho Marine Heavy Industry in China.

The partners have signed firm contracts for four 12,500 dwt vessels, scheduled for delivery between August 2027 and February 2029. They also hold options for six additional ships under a “two-plus-two-plus-two” arrangement, potentially lifting the programme to 10 vessels.

If all options are exercised, the series would represent an investment in the mid-three-digit million-dollar range, with current MPP newbuilding prices estimated at around $30m per ship. Mare Trust is contributing up to €100m ($117.5m) in equity. The Oldenburg-based investor already has stakes in 65 vessels, largely smaller containerships, dry cargo and MPP tonnage.

For HS Schiffahrt, the move marks a significant step-up in the MPP arena. The Haren-based owner currently operates five vessels between 8,200 and 13,500 dwt, alongside management of about 30 feeder and dry bulk units.

The order underscores a broader resurgence of interest in modern MPP tonnage. Fellow European players have also been active: Hamburg’s Carsten Rehder has contracted four 7,500 dwt MPPs at India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders with options for two more, while UK buyers are reported to have secured up to four 12,600 dwt ships at Rizhao Kingda Shipbuilding in China for 2027 delivery.