Oldenburg, Germany – October 2025 — German shipowner HS Schiffahrts Group and ship financier Mare Trust have jointly unveiled an ambitious fleet expansion program, signing firm contracts for four 12,500 DWT multi-purpose heavy-lift vessels at Jiangsu Soho Chuangke Shipbuilding in China, with delivery dates set between August 2027 and February 2029.
In addition to the firm orders, the partners have secured six optional newbuildings structured under a “2 + 2 + 2” arrangement, which could bring the total to ten vessels if fully exercised. The series represents one of the most significant recent German investments in the multi-purpose (MPP) shipping sector.
Each of the 12,500 DWT units carries an estimated price of $30 million, placing the total potential value of the fleet close to $300 million. Mare Trust, based in Oldenburg, has announced plans to invest up to €100 million (≈ $117 million) directly into the program. The investment firm currently holds stakes in around 65 vessels, including feeder containerships, bulk carriers, and existing MPP tonnage.
For HS Schiffahrts Group, headquartered in Haren, the contract marks a major expansion of its heavy-lift and general cargo fleet. The company presently operates five MPP vessels ranging from 8,200 to 13,500 DWT, while also managing around 36 ships across the feeder and dry bulk markets.
The newbuildings are expected to feature upgraded cargo handling systems and energy-efficient propulsion configurations to meet forthcoming environmental standards.
Industry analysts note that this project comes amid renewed optimism in the multi-purpose segment, driven by rising demand for project and breakbulk cargo transportation. Other European owners have recently followed similar paths — Carsten Rehder has ordered four 7,500 DWT MPPs from Garden Reach Shipyard in India with two additional options, while a UK-based investor has contracted up to four 12,600 DWT vessels from Shandong Luhai Equipment Group, scheduled for 2027 delivery.
The HS Schiffahrts–Mare Trust partnership reinforces the ongoing revival of European investment in the heavy-lift and project cargo fleet segment, signaling a strategic shift toward modern, eco-efficient MPP tonnage.
