Order Comes as Dutch Carrier Seeks To Renew Fleet and Phase Out Aging Vessels
Breadbox Shipping Lines has teamed up with Türkiye-based shipowner Aykop for the construction of four 3,800-deadweight ton (dwt) multipurpose coasters.
The order comes as the Netherlands-based breakbulk carrier seeks to renew its fleet and phase out some of its owned or chartered vessels that are nearing the end of their service life.
The new coasters would be built at an unnamed Chinese shipyard.
“These vessels, designed to fit the company’s current business model, will be delivered starting late 2025,” Breadbox said in a statement. “They will be Tier III compliant, carry an EU Green Passport and be built under RINA classification.”
As part of its upgrade program, Breadbox said contracts for two ships under long-term charter – the 1991-built, 4,100-dwt m/v Falcon and the 1986-built, 4,500-dwt m/v Hyrax – had not been renewed. Breadbox has also sold its fully owned 1991-built 3,200-dwt m/v Xerus.
At the same time, Breadbox has been strengthening its ties with Aykop, integrating much of the Turkish company’s “X-series” into its own fleet.
“These vessels, built between 2006 and 2012, will replace the aging tonnage in their fleet. Additionally, Breadbox sold the 8,000-dwt geared MPP vessel m/v Warthog to Aykop only to charter it back for three years,” the company said.
A self-styled “West Africa specialist”, Breadbox provides a range of liner, parcel and chartering services dedicated to Europe-West Africa trade lanes. The carrier has a head office in Rotterdam and a regional office in Dakar, Senegal.
A new Mediterranean office was launched in Cyprus in May.
Breadbox Shipping Lines is an exhibitor at Breakbulk Europe.
PHOTO: Breadbox's heavy-lift vessel, Jorix. CREDIT: Breadbox Shipping Lines
