Orders Four Innovative Bulk Carriers from Jiangsu Soho Marine
Norwegian shortsea specialist Halten Bulk has made a significant move in the maritime industry by signing contracts for up to four self-discharging bulk carriers with Jiangsu Soho Marine Heavy Industry. Each vessel will have a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 7,100 and will be built according to the Norwegian Ship Design Company’s NSD 105CC design. This initiative aims to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in coastal shipping operations.
The new vessels will incorporate advanced features such as rotor sails, which are designed to harness wind power for propulsion. This wind-assisted technology is complemented by hybrid-electric systems that include a shaft generator and a battery pack. The cargo handling systems on these ships will be fully electric, further contributing to their energy efficiency. These innovations reflect Halten Bulk’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices, particularly in regions where wind conditions and shortsea distances favor such solutions.
Strategic Operations in Nordic Waters
The newly ordered bulk carriers will primarily operate in the spot market along the Norwegian coast, the North Sea, the broader Nordic region, and the Baltic Sea. These areas are characterized by favorable wind conditions, making the integration of wind assistance and hybrid technologies both practical and economically viable.
Ivar Ulvan, the chief executive of Halten Bulk, expressed enthusiasm about the new contracts, stating, “This is a major day for us as we replace older tonnage with new low-emission vessels.” He emphasized that this project aligns with the “Powered by Nature” concept, which Halten Bulk has developed in collaboration with Egil Ulvan Rederi. This strategic shift not only modernizes Halten Bulk’s fleet but also reinforces its dedication to environmentally friendly shipping solutions.
Founded in 2014 in Trondheim, Halten Bulk operates a fleet of self-discharging bulkers that focus on trades in the North Sea and Baltic regions. The company is a partnership between Brødrene Nordbø, Egil Ulvan, and Strand Shipping, and it continues to innovate within the maritime sector.
Future Developments and Hydrogen-Fueled Vessels
In addition to the recent contracts, Halten Bulk is also advancing the development of two hydrogen-fueled bulk carriers in Norway, supported by funding from Enova. These 88-meter vessels are designed to operate using hydrogen combustion engines, supplemented by battery power and wind-assisted propulsion through rotor sails. This initiative highlights Halten Bulk’s commitment to exploring alternative energy sources and reducing the carbon footprint of its operations.
The current contracts with Jiangsu Soho Marine are effective for the first two vessels, with options secured for two additional units. This flexibility allows Halten Bulk to strategically renew its fleet while testing new propulsion concepts in the shortsea bulk segment. As the maritime industry increasingly focuses on sustainability, Halten Bulk’s initiatives position it as a forward-thinking player in the evolving landscape of shipping.
