Germany’s Reederei Lehmann GmbH & Co KG recently reached an agreement with Royal Bodewes Shipyard in the Netherlands to order two new RB 5800 EcoTrader multi-purpose cargo vessels, according to Trade Winds.
The vessels will be built at Royal Bodewes’ shipyard in Hoogezand, and are expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2027 and the second quarter of 2028, respectively. The order further strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two companies and marks Lehmann’s renewal of almost its entire fleet to Royal Bodewes-built vessels.
Optimized for Lehmann’s trading needs, the new RB 5800 EcoTrader cargo vessel is 1A Ice Class certified for operations in complex waters such as the Baltic and North Seas. With a length of 99.95 meters and a beam of 15.20 meters, the vessel has a deadweight of approximately 5,700 tons and a cargo volume of approximately 300,000 cubic feet. The design achieves good energy efficiency in terms of speed and power, while using a single-tank design to maximize cargo capacity, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation and quality.
With new emission regulations coming into force in Europe, many short sea ship owners are upgrading their fleets to meet stricter environmental requirements, and Toepfer Transport’s Short Sea Shipping Report indicates that demand for new short sea vessels is on the rise, with shipyards already booked up with orders.
Reederei Lehmann and Royal Bodewes have a long history of cooperation and have previously contracted for the construction of seven vessels. This new order not only continues the partnership, but also further emphasizes Royal Bodewes’ leading position in the construction of short sea vessels.
Both Lehmann and Bodewes regard the reduction of CO2 emissions as one of the biggest challenges for the industry today. The new RB 5800 EcoTrader cargo vessel has been designed with energy efficiency and environmental performance in mind, with the aim of providing a more sustainable solution for the short sea transportation market.