CLdN Books Two More at Hyundai

European short sea shipping specialist Compagnie Luxembourgeoise d’Navigation (CLdN) RoRo SA has exercised options for construction of two more 5, 400 lane meter vessels at the Korean shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

The latest options will make up the seventh and eighth ship from the company’s 12 planned newbuildings, with additional options for a further four.

According to CLdN, the order complements the previously announced firm orders for six vessels, of which the initial two 8,000 lane meter vessels will be delivered within 2017. The first one, to be named Celine, is due to arrive in Northern Europe during September.

The previously announced strategy to prepare for expansion in the Port of Zeebrugge, with the development of a new 36 hectare Port facility at Albert II Dock, will be delivered prior to the new vessels entering service, CLdN added.

In line with the previous orders, these vessels will be LNG ready, allowing for adaption to dual fuel propulsion.

The lifting of options comes three months after CLdN raised its orderbook to six ships from the series.

CLdN RoRo SA operates 24 RoRo vessels and its core services have traditionally been the Continent / UK, but it has steadily expanded its geographical presence into new markets, including Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Spain and Portugal in recent years.

“We are half way through our 5 year plan and already have 8 of the 12 vessels planned as firm orders, keeping us well ahead of target,” a spokesperson for CLdN commented.