Navigare Shipping and Thecla Bodewes Shipyards sign major shipbuilding contract for four GADUS vessels

21/11/2024

Faroe Islands/Netherlands – Thecla Bodewes Shipyards, a leading shipbuilder with a reputation for excellence in the maritime industry, is pleased to announce the signing of a major shipbuilding contract with Navigare Shipping, a family-owned shipping company from the Faroe Islands with a strong regional presence and an international operational footprint.

The order of four new vessels marks the start of a major fleet renewal process for Navigare Shipping, and symbolises a big step towards a more sustainable future. 

The contract signing ceremony took place in October 2024, bringing together key representatives from both family companies Navigare Shipping and Thecla Bodewes Shipyards. The partnership between Navigare Shipping and Thecla Bodewes Shipyards represents a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and the advancement of maritime transportation.

The GADUS 5600, designed by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards, is crafted to revolutionize cargo transportation and embodies efficiency, sustainability, and versatility like never before. Designed with precision engineering, the vessel optimizes efficiency at every turn. The diesel-electric propulsion system ensures powerful performance while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. With advanced automation and control systems, operational efficiency reaches unprecedented levels, streamlining voyages and reducing costs.

Embracing the imperative for eco-conscious maritime solutions, the GADUS 5600 sets a new standard for sustainability. The integration of diesel-electric propulsion significantly reduces carbon footprint and pollutants, aligning with stringent environmental regulations. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards and Navigare Shipping together pave the way for a greener future of maritime transportation.

The ships will have the same dimensions as the largest ships in the fleet of Navigare Shipping today but be optimized with a much higher cargo intake and far lower fuel consumption. They will be made futureproof with electric propulsion and are ready for alternative fuels, batteries and mechanical sails. The vessels will also be fitted with electrical cargo gear that can run on shore power. 

The vessels have been designed based on the experience and know-how of the existing fleet and with strong consideration for Navigare Shipping’s client's future requirements. In addition to high cargo intake and low fuel consumption, the vessels have also been designed for efficient operations, focusing on crew comfort. 
"We have put a lot of effort into designing these ships, ensuring that we can offer our clients competitive and sustainable solutions in the future. With this investment, we are ensuring that Navigare Shipping maintains a strong position in our market, and we look forward to getting these ships on the water," says Álvur Højgaard, CEO of Navigare Shipping. 

For the last 15 years, Navigare Shipping has steadily grown to control a fleet of 15 vessels carrying goods for clients in the northern European market. Until now, the company has expanded by acquiring second-hand tonnage and fitting the ships to their client's requirements. With increased activity and a stronger demand for more sustainable transport solutions, Navigare is entering a new era. 

Thecla Bodewes, CEO of Thecla Bodewes Shipyards, says: “Working with a new client for the first time is always a proud moment. Given the nature of this contract, which holds significant potential for sustainable shipping, we are particularly pleased to have been selected by Navigare Shipping. We are looking forward to cooperating together on the delivery of these four vessels, and to building a close relationship for the long-term.”

The series is named after the gadus, better known as Atlantic Cod, a fish species that feels comfortable in the cold water conditions of the Northern parts of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. This apex predator plays a key role in both the marine and human food chain. Consuming prey of considerable size, the gadus excels in low energy consumption. This enables the species to sustainably travel long distances under the harsh conditions of its surroundings. A ‘design’ fit for purpose!

The 5,600 dwt GADUS vessel has been fully developed by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards’ in house design team and marks the start of the yard’s third building line following its strategic growth ambitions. The first two GADUS vessels for Navigare Shipping will be delivered in 2026.

Navigare Shipping
Navigare Shipping, established in 1966 on the Faroe Islands, is a maritime company with a strong regional presence and an international operational footprint. The company employs 35 shore-based staff maintaining offices in the Faroe Islands, Norway, Scotland, Iceland, and Poland. Its main office remains in the Faroe Islands, serving as the central hub, while commercial operations are managed primarily from Norway.

During the last years, Navigare Shipping has expanded significantly, and today, the company owns more than a dozen ships. Navigare Shipping mainly operates all over Northern Europe and currently employs more than 200 seafarers onboard.

Thecla Bodewes Shipyards B.V.
Thecla Bodewes Shipyards, headquartered in Kampen (The Netherlands), is a seventh-generation family business with a combined experience in shipbuilding spanning over three hundred years. The shipyard's focus is on supplying future-proof smart ships that strive for emission-free shipping using innovative sustainable solutions.

With more than 350 newbuild vessels successfully delivered to satisfied customers, 25 of which are diesel-electric, LNG-electric and hydrogen-electric, and more than 17 years of experience with diesel-electric propulsion systems, the shipyard has a proven ability to deliver vessels to the highest standards. In addition to innovative multi-purpose short sea vessels, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards also builds shallow water tugs and pushers, modern dredgers and vessels for special purposes.


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