Wagenborg Shipping and Royal Niestern Sander have agreed to build another 14,000 DWT EasyMax vessel, reports Wagenborg on its website. The sixth in the series is set for delivery in summer 2026.
The first EasyMax was the Egbert Wagenborg, delivered in 2017. This vessel did not go unnoticed and was immediately distinguished with the KVNR Maritime Shipping Award 2017.
It was followed by the Máxima in 2021, which was christened by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during Delfsail in June 2024 (original plans were for a christening during Delfsail in 2021, but this was postponed due to Covid), and the Amalia in 2024.
August saw the launch of the EasyMax 4, Alexia. The christening of the Alexia was the world’s first name giving and christening ceremony by drone, which was also performed by Queen Máxima during Delfsail. The EasyMax 5, which is still to receive a name, was ordered in January of this year and is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. All EasyMax vessels have been built at Niestern Sander.
Also read: Queen Máxima christens Wagenborg EasyMax vessels
EasyMax design
The EasyMax 14300 was developed by Conoship International BV, Groningen, in close cooperation with Royal Wagenborg and Royal Niestern Sander as a next generation open top (hatchcoverless) multi-purpose vessel with a maximum hold volume, maximum deadweight and minimal fuel consumption within the size limitations of the vessel. The ability to sail “open top” in combination with the bridge forward of the ship enhances the vessel’s flexibility for high and exceptional cargo.
The ice-strengthened EasyMax is a relatively large vessel with an energy-efficient propulsion system. Moreover, the hull shape is optimised for different draughts resulting in an ultra-low Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and extremely low fuel consumption (9 tonnes per 24-hour period at a service speed of 11 knots).
The relatively low fuel consumption is also due to the construction above water. The vessel is lighter, with a more favourable centre of gravity position and has less wind resistance.
Picture by Wagenborg.
Also read: Wagenborg fits crane to Kingsborg for decommissioning job
