With the “Vega Petra”, Vega Reederei has taken delivery of the first ship in a series of new coasters.
A total of nine more ships will follow in the coming months and will be built at the Yahua and HRDD shipyards in Shanghai. They are designed to consume up to 40% less fuel compared to conventional models without sacrificing speed. The first customer comes from Denmark.
The coastal vessels were ordered in 2023 and the company is planning to re-enter the European short-sea market with this new construction program and other vessels that are currently in the planning stage. Vega has been active in this segment for decades with the Blackboxes series.
New ship design cuts emissions
At the heart of this strategy is a specially developed ship design based on a new Conoship platform from the Netherlands. It has been adapted to a slightly larger 3,800 dwt configuration, according to which the ships are now being built. The concept combines a completely new hull design with a diesel-electric propulsion system, which should enable fuel savings of up to 40% compared to older tonnage. According to the shipping company, there will be no need to compromise on speed. In addition, the coasters can also be operated with biofuels.
“We see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew the ageing shortsea fleet with an economically viable and future-proof platform,” says Vega shareholder Arend Brügge.
In addition to these fuel savings, the vessel can be adapted for further ESG compliance in the future. Vega lists the following points:
- Reserved space for a 20-foot battery container
- Ventifoil wind assist technology prepared
- Design ready for later conversion of the deck generators to hydrogen or battery modules
Vega Reederei responds to obsolescence
The Hamburg-based company is responding to the rapidly ageing fleet in the European shortsea segment with its new coasters. Almost half (43%) of the 1,043 ships in the segment between 2,600 and 4,600 dwt are over 30 years old, with the average age being 27 years. “New EU regulations will pose a significant challenge for these ageing vessels, necessitating immediate renewal,” estimates Vega.
Vega Reederei, founded in 1919 and family-owned, can look back on over 25 years of experience in the shortsea business. The fleet comprises 40 Chinese-built bulkers and feeder vessels. In the past, Vega has built up a local presence and relationships with Chinese shipyards – “a foundation that now supports the newbuilding program”. New partnerships and charter agreements are also being sought in Europe, and joint ventures are also conceivable. The “Vega Petra” and the first three sister ships will be chartered out to the Danish operator Echoship and given new names under its brand.
Vega designs cooperations individually, as in the case of the industry partner HAV Shipping Group, Norway, where Vega is building four ships that are technically managed by Vega and commercially controlled by HAV. Each transaction is considered an individual task, including financial solutions for Vega’s industry partners.
Future newbuild transactions could be included in the conveyor belt program within 12 months of order. In addition to the 3,800 dwt sister vessels, Vega is planning a mini container feeder version based on the 3,800 dwt platform.
