Danish carrier Norden is sharpening its focus on specialised project shipments and breakbulk moves, supported by new long-term commitments to modern multipurpose (MPP) tonnage.
Norden has signed long-term leases, including purchase options, covering two 17,500 dwt MPP newbuildings due to join the fleet in 2028. These units will be added to the company’s expanding MPP portfolio.
According to Norden, the additional ships are intended to strengthen services for specialised cargoes, ranging from project and breakbulk shipments to more conventional dry bulk trades. The vessels are intended to handle large, heavy-lift pieces and outsized units linked to industrial and energy infrastructure projects.
The move, the company says, reflects what it views as “favourable” supply fundamentals in this part of the market. It notes that modern vessels able to handle demanding projects and breakbulk work are scarce, with much of the current fleet ageing and gradually leaving service. At the same time, only a small pipeline of replacement vessels exists, even as demand for moving large cargoes that cannot be containerised continues.
As part of its wider fleet portfolio plans, Norden has also sold two owned vessels: one medium-range tanker plus one capesize dry bulk vessel.
For project cargo interests, the move signals that modern MPP capacity is likely to stay valuable and relatively scarce, rather than becoming oversupplied.
