German shipowner Nordic Hamburg has embarked on an expansion of its heavy-lift fleet, ordering three multipurpose vessels of 3,300 dwt each at the Chinese Wuxi Shipyard, with an option for two more.

The value of the contract, which covers a series new multipurpose vessels/heavy-lifters purpose-built for the carriage of project cargoes, wind energy equipment components and general cargo, was not disclosed.

The time of the vessels has not been announced, although the order is one of several newbuilding orders placed in recent years for the project cargo and renewable energy trade sector.

The are designed with a cargo hold capacity of about 26,500 cbm, a lifting capacity of 500 tons and the ability to switch flexibly between carriage of extra-large cargoes and conventional breakbulk.

The ice-class newbuildings will be equipped with SCR systems, optimised hull forms and other-saving measures that will reduce fuel consumption by more than 20% compared with older vessels, according to the shipyard.

Founded in 2006 based in Hamburg, Nordic Hamburg has built a diverse shipping business. The group operates in five of the world’s largest shipping hubs, managing a fleet of 86 ships several shipping segments.

The deal marks another step for the century-old shipyard in its push into the higher-end multi-purpose vessel segment. In recent years, yard has developed a series of standard designs, ranging from 5,800 dwt to 14,600 dwt. As well as the contract withic Hamburg, the yard is also active in the dry bulk market.

【Related news】This year started with a deal between Turkish newcomer Aqmaris and Chinas Wuxi Shipyard for four bulkers.