ElbFeeder, the joint venture of Iceland’s Eimskip and Germany’s Ernst Russ, has signed contracts for two state-of-the-art 2,280 TEU container ships with China Merchants Jin Ling Shipyard. Scheduled for delivery in the latter half of 2028, the vessels mark a significant milestone in fleet renewal and future-proofing Iceland-Europe maritime trade.
Future-Proof Vessels for Demanding North Atlantic Routes
The two container ships, designed in collaboration with the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), are tailored to withstand the challenging conditions of the North Atlantic. Featuring dual-fuel propulsion systems that are LNG- and methanol-ready, the vessels align with global decarbonization goals while ensuring operational reliability. Their optimized hull design enhances hydrodynamic performance, enabling higher service speeds, greater fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
Strengthening Trade and Long-Term Partnerships
The vessels will serve Eimskip’s Blue Line route between Reykjavik and Rotterdam under a 10-year time charter, supporting Iceland’s growing export market, particularly for fresh seafood and salmon.
This employment model secures a steady revenue stream for the ElbFeeder joint venture and adds value to its nine-vessel portfolio. For Ernst Russ, this represents its first newbuilding investment in decades, reinforcing its partnership with Eimskip and highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable, efficient shipping.
ElbFeeder’s investment in these next-generation vessels demonstrates how strategic collaboration and innovation can drive growth in maritime trade while meeting future environmental and operational demands. With delivery set for 2028, the ships will not only enhance Iceland-Europe connectivity but also set a benchmark for sustainable container shipping in the North Atlantic.
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Source: ENS
