Longship Doubles Down on Eco-Friendly Fleet with Four More PMAX Vessels

Dutch Shipbuilder GS Projects Secures Expanded Order for Fuel-Efficient Cargo Ships

Longship has exercised an option to order four more PMAX ECO TRADER vessels, increasing the series total to eight. This move signals the company’s aggressive push toward greener shipping—and its confidence in Dutch shipbuilding. The initial order of four 6,000 dwt dry cargo ships was placed in 2024, to be built by GS Projects and SaS in Waterhuizen, Netherlands. Now, the expanded fleet will further cement Longship’s commitment to cutting emissions without sacrificing cargo capacity.

“This isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about proving that eco-tech can handle real-world trade volumes,” says a Longship spokesperson.

The vessels will have optimized fuel efficiency and eco-friendly tech, aligning with Longship’s sustainability goals. Key features include advanced hull designs and energy recovery systems, though the company remains tight-lipped about specific innovations. Deliveries will start in early 2026; each ship will exceed 100 meters in length, 15.5 meters in width, and have a 6.2-meter draft. These dimensions place them squarely in the midsize cargo segment, ideal for European coastal routes.

Damen Steps Up with Critical Components

Damen Marine Components will supply steering, propulsion, and control systems for the first four ships, including Piston RAM-type steering, Barke rudders, and Optima nozzles. The partnership underscores the niche expertise required for sustainable shipping: Damen’s systems reportedly reduce drag by 12% compared to conventional setups. Meanwhile, the design meets Lloyd’s Register classification and Finnish-Swedish 1A ice class standards, ensuring versatility in colder markets.

Longship’s expansion isn’t limited to the PMAX series. The company also has two 3,700 dwt eco-friendly general cargo ships ordered from GS Projects, set for delivery in 2025. Together, these orders suggest a broader industry shift—where mid-tier operators, not just giants like Maersk, are betting big on decarbonization. With regulators tightening emissions rules, Longship’s fleet modernization might just be a case of perfect timing.