Construction begins on new multi-purpose carrier for Carisbrooke Shipping

Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in the Netherlands has begun construction of the first of two vessels ordered by UK-based shortsea specialist Carisbrooke Shipping.

The ships ordered by Carisbrooke Shipping will be the latest examples in an existing series of multi-purpose dry cargo vessels built by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards. The first vessels in the series are already in operation with Dutch shipping company the Vertom Group.

Like their sisters in Dutch service, Carisbrooke Shipping's new multi-purpose vessels will each have a deadweight of over 7,000, a length of 118.6 metres, a beam of 14.3 metres, and two full-box cargo holds with a total capacity of more than 9,300 cubic metres.

The ships will also feature diesel-electric propulsion systems with integrated power management systems. Thecla Bodewes Shipyards said this configuration will significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional vessels in the same class.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery to Carisbrooke Shipping in 2026.