Ernst Russ enriches fleet with four methanol-ready tanker newbuilds

German shipowner Ernst Russ has agreed to acquire four 18,500-dwt IMO Type II chemical/product tankers currently under construction at Wuhu Shipyard in China. The first two units are scheduled for delivery between Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, while the remaining two are expected to follow between Q1 and Q2 2027.

Each of the four intermediate-sized vessels is backed by fixed-term charters of at least five years from delivery. The deal adds approximately US$126M to the Hamburg-based company’s charter backlog.

According to Ernst Russ, the ships are positioned in the premium segment due to their advanced technical specifications. Equipped with 12 MarineLINE-coated tanks, they are designed to carry a wide range of cargoes, including vegetable oils, petroleum products, and chemicals.

The tankers are based on a methanol-ready design, ensuring high ESG compliance and long-term viability. Additionally, the ships’ Ice Class 1B notation and Great Lakes capability will provide access to niche markets with firmer rate environments.

Ernst Russ said its entry into the tanker segment represents “a consistent step” towards diversification across multiple shipping segments. Specifically, the combination of cargo flexibility and technical specifications enhances the vessels’ commercial versatility, supports strong long-term employment prospects, and improves portfolio resilience against segment-specific market volatility.

“The segment we are investing in offers structural attractiveness: supply is limited, demand for modern tonnage is growing, and access to niche markets with restrictive approval requirements gives us a genuine competitive advantage – the foundation for attractive long-term returns,” said Ernst Russ co-chief executive and chief commercial officer Joseph Schuchmann.

The company continues to pursue a diversification strategy aimed at generating stable, sustainable returns. Last year, Ernst Russ ordered two dual-fuel container ships through its joint venture with Iceland’s Eimskip. Due for delivery in H2 2028, the 2,280-TEU feeder ships are fixed on 10-year charter contracts.

At the start of 2026, Ernst Russ also expanded its presence in the multipurpose segment, acquiring two vessels, Ronnie and Charlie. The two 12,500-dwt vessels are fixed on long-term charters to dship Carriers.

Riviera’s International Chemical and Product Tanker Conference will be held in London on 21-22 April 2026. Use this link for more information and to register for the event.