Eimskip’s board has approved contracts for two new 2,280 TEU container vessels, along with a ten-year time charter through its German affiliate, ElbFeeder. The vessels will operate on the company’s Blue Line, connecting Reykjavík with Rotterdam and Teesport in the UK.
The investment comes as demand for fresh cargo continues to rise, fueled by exports of seafood and farmed salmon as well as imports of fresh products. Growth is expected to accelerate further with new land-based salmon farming projects in Iceland.
The new ships will be the largest in Eimskip’s fleet, measuring 185 meters in length and 29.4 meters in breadth. They will support both the Blue Line and the company’s expanding trans-Atlantic services between Iceland and North America.
ElbFeeder, majority-owned by Ernst Russ AG, signed the contracts with China Merchants Jin Ling Shipyard in Nanjing. Delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2028. Eimskip has secured a ten-year charter, with lease liabilities estimated at US$86 million.
Also, the vessels are designed for speed, reliability, and maneuverability in the challenging North Atlantic. They will also feature energy-saving technologies, including optimized hull design, silicone coating, shore power connections, and dual-fuel propulsion systems that are methanol- and LNG-ready.
“This is an important step in renewing our fleet,” said Vilhelm Már Thorsteinsson, CEO of Eimskip. “These vessels will strengthen our Blue Line and support further growth in our trans-Atlantic services. The design reflects our focus on customer service, efficiency, and sustainability.”
Joseph Schuchmann, Co-CEO of Ernst Russ AG, added: “This is our first newbuild investment in decades. Partnering with Eimskip as long-term charterer ensures the project’s financial strength and marks a milestone in our collaboration.”
