G2 Ocean is expanding its specialized open hatch fleet with six new gantry crane vessels scheduled to join its pool from 2029.
The 65,400 dwt ships will be built by New Dayang Shipbuilding in Yangzhou, China. Grieg Maritime Group will own two vessels, while Seaspan will own four. The Seaspan ships will be bareboat chartered to Gearbulk before entering the G2 Ocean pool.
Each vessel will feature eight open-hatch cargo holds without overhangs, about 79,400 cu m of cargo volume, two gantry cranes and tween decks. The ships will also be capable of future adaptation for ammonia or methanol fuel.
The order adds to a separate program for 10 larger 82,300 dwt vessels due for delivery between 2026 and 2029. The first of those ships, Star Norge, entered service in January this year.
The six newbuilds will help fill the size gap between G2 Ocean’s 72,000 dwt gantry crane vessels and its smaller 36,000 dwt to 55,000 dwt ships. The company said the investment supports a broader geared fleet for different cargo requirements.
G2 Ocean is also investing in lower-emission technology for existing tonnage. The 49,924 dwt Star Kirkenes is scheduled to receive AirWing 20 jet sails in late 2026 or early 2027. The system is intended to cut fuel use and emissions without reducing cargo capacity or disrupting loading operations.
Founded in 2017, G2 Ocean operates about 125 open hatch and bulk vessels ranging from 23,500 dwt to 73,000 dwt. The company is the world’s largest operator in the open hatch segment.
