Norwegian operator Halten Bulk has contracted two wind-assisted self-discharging bulk carriers of 7,100 dwt at Chinese shipbuilder Jiangsu SOHO Marine Heavy Industry, with options for two additional vessels.

The newbuildings form part of Halten Bulk’s “Powered by Nature” concept and are designed to maximise wind contribution through the installation of rotor sails. The vessels will also feature hybrid-electric propulsion systems incorporating shaft generators and battery packs, alongside electric excavators and a range of energy-efficiency measures.

According to the company, the ships will primarily operate in the spot market along the Norwegian coast, in the North Sea, the Nordic region and the Baltic, reflecting Halten Bulk’s existing trading patterns.

Ivar Ulvan, managing director of Halten Bulk, stated: “This is a major day for the company as we now replace older tonnage with new low-emission vessels.”

He added: “The new ships will provide our employees with an excellent workplace and, importantly, deliver significant emission reductions for our customers at competitive prices. This is a natural step before zero-emission fuels become commercially available.”

The design was developed by Egil Ulvan Rederi in cooperation with The Norwegian Ship Design Company. Gjermund Johannessen, managing director of The Norwegian Ship Design Company, noted: “Halten Bulk, Egil Ulvan Rederi and The Norwegian Ship Design Company have enjoyed close cooperation over a long period. Key personnel from the companies have together developed and delivered a double-digit number of vessels.”

Halten Bulk said the contracts for the first two vessels are already effective, with the Jiangsu yard demonstrating a solution-oriented approach during technical reviews and commercial negotiations.

Ulvan noted that the concept represents a return to auxiliary sail propulsion, commenting: “Our great-grandfather built motor vessels with auxiliary sails - 100 years later, the circle is complete.”