Langh Ship gets €35M from KfW IPEX for 2 eco-friendly feeder ships

Germany’s KfW IPEX-Bank has announced a significant investment of €35 million to support Finnish shipping company Langh Ship’s newbuilding program. This funding will facilitate the construction of two environmentally friendly 1,200 TEU containerships. The initiative underscores a growing commitment to sustainable maritime practices, with the first of three feeder ships already launched last month.

Innovative Design and Technology

Langh Ship’s new vessels are designed to optimize the transportation of 45-foot containers, both in the holds and on deck. This innovative design was developed in collaboration with the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI). The ships will feature a two-stroke, slow-speed main engine manufactured by German company MAN, ensuring excellent fuel efficiency.

In addition to their advanced propulsion system, the new feeder vessels will incorporate a range of green technologies provided by Langh Tech, a sister company of Langh Ship. These technologies include hybrid scrubbers and a ballast water management system (BWMS), which are essential for minimizing environmental impact. A standout feature of the ships is their preparation for an onboard carbon capture system. This system, developed by Langh Tech, aims to capture CO2 emissions from the exhaust gas flow, potentially reducing the ships’ carbon footprint by 20-50 percent.

The captured CO2 will be chemically transformed into sodium carbonate, which can be utilized in various industrial applications. This innovative approach not only contributes to the decarbonization of the maritime sector but also promotes a circular economy across different industries.

Andreas Ufer, a member of the Management Board of KfW IPEX-Bank, emphasized the importance of this financing, stating, “With this financing, we underline our commitment to support innovative vessels that advance the decarbonization in the European maritime sector.” The new ships will be chartered to the UK-based ocean transport company Borchard Lines, further enhancing their operational reach.

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Continued Commitment to Sustainable Shipping

KfW IPEX-Bank’s investment in Langh Ship is part of a broader trend towards sustainable shipping practices. Earlier this year, the bank also announced a financing deal of approximately €26 million for the British shipping company Carisbrooke Shipping. This funding will support the construction of two identical 7,700 dwt general cargo vessels at Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in the Netherlands.

These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustainable solutions in the maritime industry. As global shipping faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, investments in innovative technologies and eco-friendly vessels are becoming essential. The commitment from KfW IPEX-Bank and companies like Langh Ship signals a positive shift towards a greener future in maritime transport.