Thecla Bodewes Shipyards has landed a major shipbuilding contract from Navigare Shipping. The order of four new GADUS vessels marks the start of a major fleet renewal process for Navigare.
Navigare Shipping is a family-owned shipping company from the Faroe Islands with a strong regional presence and an international operational footprint.
The contract signing ceremony took place in October 2024, bringing together key representatives from both Navigare Shipping and Thecla Bodewes Shipyards.
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Ready for new fuels and mechanical sails
The GADUS 5600, designed by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards, is crafted to revolutionise cargo transportation and embodies efficiency, sustainability, and versatility. Designed with precision engineering, the vessel optimises efficiency. The diesel-electric propulsion system ensures powerful performance while minimising fuel consumption and emissions. With advanced automation and control systems, operational efficiency reaches unprecedented levels, streamlining voyages and reducing costs.
The ships will have the same dimensions as the largest ships in the fleet of Navigare Shipping today, but will be optimised with a much higher cargo intake and far lower fuel consumption. They will be made futureproof with electric propulsion and are ready for alternative fuels, batteries and mechanical sails. The vessels will also be fitted with electrical cargo gear that can run on shore power.
In addition to high cargo intake and low fuel consumption, the vessels have also been designed for efficient operations, focusing on crew comfort.
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First newbuild order for Navigare
‘We have put a lot of effort into designing these ships, ensuring that we can offer our clients competitive and sustainable solutions in the future,’ says Álvur Højgaard, CEO of Navigare Shipping. ‘With this investment, we are ensuring that Navigare Shipping maintains a strong position in our market, and we look forward to getting these ships on the water.’
For the last fifteen years, Navigare Shipping has steadily grown to control a fleet of fifteen vessels carrying goods for clients in the northern European market. Until now, the company has expanded by acquiring second-hand tonnage and fitting the ships to their client’s requirements. With increased activity and a stronger demand for more sustainable transport solutions, Navigare is entering a new era.
Thecla Bodewes, CEO of Thecla Bodewes Shipyards: ‘Working with a new client for the first time is always a proud moment. Given the nature of this contract, which holds significant potential for sustainable shipping, we are particularly pleased to have been selected by Navigare Shipping. We are looking forward to cooperating together on the delivery of these four vessels, and to building a close relationship for the long-term.’
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Named after the gadus
The series is named after the gadus, better known as Atlantic cod, a fish species that feels comfortable in the cold water conditions of the Northern parts of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. This apex predator plays a key role in both the marine and human food chain. Consuming prey of considerable size, the gadus excels in low energy consumption. This enables the species to sustainably travel long distances under the harsh conditions of its surroundings. A “design” fit for purpose.
The 5600-DWT GADUS vessel has been fully developed by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards’ in-house design team and marks the start of the yard’s third building line following its strategic growth ambitions. The first two GADUS vessels for Navigare Shipping will be delivered in 2026.
Picture (top): The 5600-DWT GADUS is a self-discharging dry cargo vessel (picture by Thecla Bodewes Shipyards).
