Norway's G2 Ocean Bets on Wind and Ammonia in Open Hatch Fleet Renewal

Bergen-based G2 Ocean, the world's largest operator in the open hatch shipping segment, has ordered six new vessels and committed to its first wind-assisted propulsion retrofit, in a fleet renewal programme that underscores how European owners are positioning for a tightening regulatory landscape.

The six gantry crane newbuildings, each with a deadweight capacity of 65,400 tonnes, will be constructed by New Dayang Shipbuilding in Yangzhou, China, with deliveries beginning in 2029. Crucially, the ships will be built future-fuel ready, capable of running on ammonia or methanol once supply chains mature. The order is backed by shareholders and pool partners Gearbulk and Grieg Maritime Group, alongside vessel owner Seaspan.

The investment fills a structural gap in G2 Ocean's fleet, bridging its larger 72,000 dwt gantry vessels and smaller tonnage in the 36,000 to 55,000 dwt range. It sits atop an existing programme of ten 82,300 dwt newbuildings due between 2026 and 2029, the first of which, Star Norge, entered service in January.

Chief executive Arthur English framed the decision around flexibility, arguing that a global operator must maintain a broad mix of geared tonnage to tailor solutions across diverse cargo segments. The strategy carries particular weight for European owners, who now face the full phase-in of the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime intensity rules, regulations that are reshaping the economics of carbon-heavy trades.

The company is also retrofitting its 49,924 dwt general cargo ship Star Kirkenes with AirWing jet sails in late 2026 or early 2027, a move designed to cut bunker consumption without compromising cargo operations. Should performance targets be met, G2 Ocean signalled the technology could become a template for wider deployment, advancing its stated ambition of reaching net zero by 2050.