70-meter, 3,400-ton electric cargo vessel to serve long-term steel transport contract with 7 Steel
K. Sætre Rederi announce a contract for a new all-electric cargo vessel, with delivery expected in March 2028. In parallel, the company has entered into a long-term freight agreement with 7 Steel for the transportation of steel along the Norwegian coast.
The 70-meter vessel will feature a cargo capacity of approximately 3,400 tons and a state-of-the-art 13.3 MWh battery pack, providing an electric range of over 270 nautical miles. This groundbreaking design establishes a new standard for electric cargo shipping in its segment, reflecting K. Sætre Rederi’s commitment to sustainable maritime innovation.
“This marks an important technological leap for coastal shipping. With this range, we can operate large parts of the coast fully electrically and mainly use existing charging infrastructure,” says Åge Sætre of K. Sætre Rederi.
The electric cargo vessel is being built at Royal Bodewes, a renowned Dutch shipyard with extensive experience in building energy-efficient and innovative cargo ships. SEAM in Haugesund will deliver the electric propulsion package for the vessel, becoming the largest single supplier in the project. Together, we have developed a new vessel optimised for this speed.
The project is closely linked to 7 Steel’s sustainability strategy and circular value chain. The ship is tailored to their transportation needs and will be able to operate emission-free using existing charging infrastructure.
The cooperation between K. Sætre Rederi and the ironworks in Mo i Rana, Norway spans several decades. The shipping company has long been responsible for the transport of steel scrap to Mo i Rana and the distribution of finished reinforcement products along the coast. The ship MS “Rana Frakt” has served this transport need for over 30 years. The new ship is designed with a long life span and an ambition to fill a similar role in the decades to come.
The ship will operate under the Norwegian flag and with Norwegian conditions for the crew. The project builds on K. Sætre Rederi’s long tradition of coastal shipping, in close collaboration with customers, suppliers and an experienced crew.
