Danish shipping company Norden is continuing to expand its fleet: Four Handysize freighters will soon be delivered, which will be suitable for specialized cargo.
According to Norden, construction of the four ships has already begun in 2024. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. The handysize bulkers are said to be particularly suitable for transporting “specialized cargoes” thanks to their “open hatch” design and box-shaped holds. According to Norden, the vessels will improve the company’s capacity to offer customers flexible and customized transport solutions.
With the delivery of the vessels, Norden’s fleet, which already comprises more than 450 units, will continue to grow. According to the company, it is currently making targeted investments in segments that are characterized by strong customer demand on the one hand and attractive profit opportunities on the other. In the Handysize segment, an increasingly ageing fleet and a limited order backlog can currently be observed. This would additionally boost demand for “modern, fuel-efficient ships”.
In addition to the handysize market, Norden has also recently been increasingly active in the MPP business. In January, the shipping company sold two ships (an MR tanker and a Capesize bulker) and simultaneously concluded leasing agreements for MPP newbuildings, which are scheduled for delivery in 2028. As part of a contract with the Swedish mining group LKAB, Norden has also ordered two further MPP freighters, which are to be built in China and also delivered in 2028. This is the first time Norden has invested in ice-class vessels.
