Eimskip has signed contracts for two new 2,280 TEU container vessels, to be delivered in late 2028 under a ten-year time-charter with German affiliate ElbFeeder. The ships will serve Eimskip’s Blue Line between Reykjavík, Rotterdam, and Teesport, UK.

Vilhelm Már Thorsteinsson, CEO of Eimskip:
“We are very pleased to take this important step in renewing our fleet. We see great opportunities with the delivery of these new vessels, especially considering the ambitious plans to increase exports of fresh seafood and salmon. Over the past few years, we’ve also seen strong momentum in our Trans-Atlantic services from Europe to North America, which are the foundation of our weekly service between Iceland and North America. These new vessels will support further growth in that service.

We are proud of the fact that the design of these vessels focuses on customer service, operational efficiency, and reliability. The design also enables transition to alternative energy sources when they become accessible and reasonable option, supporting the Company’s environmental journey.

The strong partnership and trust we’ve built with our co-owners in ElbFeeder, Ernst Russ in Germany, is reflected in this positive outcome and strengthens our continued collaboration.”

At 185 meters long, these will be the largest vessels in Eimskip’s fleet. Designed for North Atlantic conditions, they will feature advanced maneuverability, optimized energy efficiency, and dual-fuel engines ready for methanol and LNG — supporting Eimskip’s environmental goals.

Joseph Schuchmann, Co-CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Ernst Russ AG:
“This investment will be a milestone for Ernst Russ, marking our first newbuild investment in decades. We are delighted to be able to implement it together with our long-standing partner Eimskip, who will also function as the initial long-term charterer and thus contributes significantly to the financial viability of the project”.

Built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, the vessels represent a lease liability of USD 86 million in 2028, partly offset by retiring current charters.