HS Schiffahrt and Mare Trust Order Multipurpose Newbuilds

Germany’s HS Shipping Group (HS Schiffahrt) has partnered with shipping financier Mare Trust to expand into the multipurpose heavylift sector, placing newbuilding orders at Jiangsu Soho Marine Heavy Industry in China.

The deal includes firm contracts for four 12,500 dwt vessels, with deliveries scheduled between August 2027 and February 2029. In addition, the agreement features options for six more ships in a two+two+two arrangement, which could bring the total program to ten vessels.

If all options are confirmed, the investment would reach into the mid three-digit million-dollar range. Current estimates put the price of comparable multipurpose vessels at about $30 million each. Mare Trust is contributing as much as €100m ($117.5m) in equity. Based in Oldenburg, the investor already holds stakes in 65 ships, mainly smaller container, dry cargo, and multipurpose tonnage.

For HS Schiffahrt, this order represents a significant expansion in the MPP sector. The Haren-based owner currently operates five multipurpose vessels between 8,200 and 13,500 dwt and manages around 30 ships in feeder and dry bulk segments.

The push for new tonnage reflects a broader resurgence of interest in the multipurpose market. Other European players have also been active: Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Reederei recently ordered four 7,500 dwt MPPs at Garden Reach Shipbuilders in India, with options for two more. Meanwhile, UK interests are reported to have booked up to four 12,600 dwt vessels at Rizhao Kingda Shipbuilding in China for 2027 delivery.