G2 Ocean to expand fleet with six new open hatch vessels and wind-assisted propulsion upgrades

G2 Ocean plans to add six new open hatch gantry crane vessels to its fleet from 2029 as part of a broader fleet renewal and expansion programme that also includes wind-assisted propulsion upgrades for existing ships.

The investment follows the company’s ongoing newbuilding programme, under which 10 open hatch vessels of 82,300 deadweight tonnes (dwt) are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2029. The first vessel in the series, Star Norge, entered service in January 2026.

Fleet expansion to improve operational flexibility

According to G2 Ocean, the six additional vessels will strengthen operational flexibility by filling the capacity gap between its larger 72,000 dwt gantry crane ships and smaller vessels ranging from 36,000 dwt to 55,000 dwt.

Arthur English, Chief Executive Officer of G2 Ocean, said:

“Through investments in both newbuildings and our existing fleet, G2 Ocean is strengthening its long-term service offering, providing cargo owners with safe, flexible, reliable and sustainable cargo solutions.”

He added:

“This investment continues the development of our geared fleet of both jib craned and gantry craned vessels. As a global service provider, we believe it is essential to maintain a highly flexible fleet so that we can tailor solutions for our customers’ needs.”

The company said the investments reflect long-term support from shareholders and pool participants Gearbulk and Grieg Maritime Group.

Wind-assisted propulsion planned for existing vessel

In addition to the fleet expansion programme, G2 Ocean plans to retrofit the 49,924 dwt general cargo vessel Star Kirkenes with AirWing™20 jet sails, a wind-assisted propulsion technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The installation is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, with the possibility of expanding the technology to additional vessels in the fleet.

English said:

“The jet sails are designed to harness wind power and reduce fuel consumption, contributing to lower emissions for both G2 Ocean and its customers.”

The company noted that the wind-assisted propulsion system is intended to operate without affecting cargo handling operations or cargo capacity.

Long-term fleet renewal strategy

Kristian Jebsen, Chairman of Gearbulk and G2 Ocean, said:

“This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to renewing our fleet, supporting our customers and strengthening our operational platform while ensuring that we remain competitive for the long term.”

Matthew Duke, Chief Executive Officer at Grieg Maritime Group, added:

“The Open Hatch business is the core of our long-term strategy. We are happy to be able to support G2 Ocean in remaining a high-quality, flexible and efficient service provider through this investment.”

The latest investments reflect broader shipping industry efforts to modernise fleets, improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions through a combination of new vessel designs and wind-assisted propulsion technologies.