German MPP specialist dship Carriers is set to bolster its fleet through a substantial expansion initiative in China. The company, headquartered in Hamburg, has inked a deal with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing for the construction of up to eight heavylift multipurpose newbuilds.

The agreement encompasses four confirmed 15,000 dwt units, along with an option for two additional vessels, part of the D500 series. This series marks dship Carriers' inaugural venture into newbuild construction and will also stand as the largest ships in its existing fleet. These vessels are designed to deliver notable improvements, including a significant reduction in fuel consumption and a remarkable 50% increase in cargo hold and deck capacity.

Established in 2014 by Thomas Press, dship Carriers presently operates a fleet comprising approximately 20 ships. Led by Lars Feller, the independent arm of the deugro group anticipates the commencement of deliveries from the newbuild program in 2025.