Eimskip has formalized the acquisition of two new 2280 TEU container vessels, with the aim of strengthening its maritime operations in the North Atlantic. The operation was channeled through its German subsidiary ElbFeeder, includes a ten-year charter contract and marks a significant step forward in the renewal of the Icelandic company’s fleet.
The new 2280 TEU container ships
The vessels will be built by China Merchants Jin Ling Shipyard and will be equipped with dual propulsion technology suitable for both methanol and LNG. This design meets current and future environmental standards, while ensuring energy efficiency and high operational performance, especially in the demanding climatic conditions of the North Atlantic.
At 185 meters long and with a beam of 29.4 meters, these new units will be the largest in the history of the company’s fleet. It also has the capacity to more efficiently meet the growing demand for fresh seafood and farmed salmon exports from Iceland, as well as imports of fresh, high quality products.
The company has made it clear that the investment is aligned with its commitment to ensure a reliable, fast and sustainable service. The new vessels will operate on the route connecting Reykjavik with Rotterdam and Teesport, increasing the maritime link between Iceland, the UK and mainland Europe.
This project is being carried out in collaboration with ElbFeeder, a subsidiary of Eimskip, and the German firm Ernst Russ AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is participating as a financial partner. Joseph Schuchmann, co-CEO of Ernst Russ, said the deal represents the group’s first new construction investment in decades, underscoring the strength of the partnership with Eimskip and the viability of the project.
From Eimskip, its CEO Vilhelm Már Thorsteinsson has pointed out that these vessels strengthen the weekly connectivity between Iceland and North America, and at the same time, represent an important step towards the energy transition of the fleet.
On the other hand, the dual-fuel propulsion systemThe ships will have an optimized hull design, silicon coating and electrical shore power connection. These features are aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving maneuverability, two essential factors for maintaining operational competitiveness on high-traffic routes.
The investment is estimated to represent a lease liability of $86 million in Eimskip’s financial statements in 2028, will be partially offset by the retirement of current vessels on the Blue line. The transaction will be financed through a combination of equity and debt by ElbFeeder.
With this integration, Eimskip strengthens its position as a strategic operator in North Atlantic logistics and continues its modernization process with a clear vision: sustainability, reliability and long-term growth in the market.
Source and photo: Eimskip
