JR Shipping Group, an international shipping company company, has placed an order with long-term partner Chowgule Shipbuilding for two diesel-electric 8,500-ton ECO short sea dry cargo vessels. The high-cubic, energy-efficient newbuilds will bolster the company’s capacity to serve growing demand for sustainable regional freight transport while advancing decarbonisation goals.
The short sea shipping sector is at the forefront of adopting technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions, particularly CO₂. Recognising the importance of these advancements, JR Shipping Group has invested in cutting-edge vessel designs that meet stringent environmental standards. The new vessels will be constructed by long-year yard partner Chowgule Shipbuilding in India. The shipyard is known for its expertise and quality in shipbuilding.
The two vessels are part of a series of eight vessels that have been initiated together with short sea specialist ‘Boomsma Shipping’ and in close cooperation with ‘Leonhardt & Blumberg’. JR Shipping Group will take delivery of numbers 6 and 8 in the series of diesel-electric, high-cubic-capacity ECO-8500 vessels designed by Conoship International in the Netherlands. The delivery of number 6 is scheduled for the end of June 2027 and number 8 will follow at the end of February 2028.
The unique characteristics of the new design are:
- Extremely efficient in terms of cargo carrying capacity per energy unit.
- 8.500 ton deadweight – 13.900 cubic meter single hold – open top – complete tween deck.
- Optimised diesel-electric propulsion with 4 Tier III + SCR Volvo Penta generators as propulsion, ready for lifetime extension and future fuels.
- 50% – 60% less propulsion energy needed compared to existing tonnage.
- Ready for innovations such as: wind assisted propulsion, carbon capture and emission free operation on batteries to lower emissions even further.
- 50% – 90% lower CO₂ emissions.
This initiative is part of JR Shipping Group’s broader strategy to enhance its fleet, which includes container feeder vessels, dry cargo vessels, and offshore service vessels. By investing in these new low-emission vessels, the company underscores its dedication to sustainable practices and its proactive approach to meeting the future demands of maritime logistics.
The return to the dry cargo sector is a logical choice for JR Shipping Group. The group’s activity in the short sea dry cargo vessel market was paused in 2019 following the sale of the last 5,000-tonners in the fleet. However, returning to this market has remained an objective. With extensive knowledge and experience in dry cargo shipping embedded within the organisation, the company is well-equipped to re-enter this market segment. This strategic decision reflects JR Shipping’s vision to become a progressive, all-round shipping group, expanding its operational scope while maintaining its focus on quality service and sustainable growth.
