Norwegian shipping line G2 Ocean is strengthening its fleet with the addition of a 55,889 dwt semi-open vessel and up to four ammonia-ready 82,300 dwt open hatch vessels.

The ammonia-ready open hatch vessels, meanwhile, will be delivered to the G2 Ocean pool in 2026

A rendering of an ammonia-ready open hatch vessel that will be delivered to the G2 Ocean pool in 2026.

The 55,889 dwt semi-open vessel Cove Pear was built at Oshima Shipbuilding in 2014 and purchased by G2 Ocean’s shareholder Gearbulk. It entered the G2 Ocean pool under the name Maple Arrow on June 1.

The ammonia-ready open hatch vessels, meanwhile, will be delivered to the G2 Ocean pool in 2026 by its shareholder Grieg Maritime Group, which has entered into a contract with CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Longxue for two vessels, with an option for a further two.

At 82,300 dwt, the new ships will dwarf the 52,800 dwt L-class, previously the latest and largest vessels in the Grieg fleet. They will measure 225 m with a beam of 36 m. G2 Ocean said the ships are ideally suited for the long-haul pulp trades with eight holds and four electro-hydraulic jib cranes with an individual capacity of 75 tonnes. When lifting in tandem, the cranes can handle cargo of up to 105 tonnes.

Additionally, Gearbulk has declared a purchase option on nine previously leased vessels. These vessels will remain in the G2 Ocean pool and be transferred to Gearbulk’s in-house technical ship management over 2023.

“We look forward to welcoming the vessels to our fleet. They will be a valuable addition to G2 Ocean and will contribute to strengthening our service offerings,” said Arthur English, ceo of G2 Ocean.

He added: “The new vessels will help us to reduce our environmental impact in the areas in which we operate and is a step in the direction for us to achieve our ultimate emissions goal of net zero.”