At Royal T Shipyards, the Hav Leiti was christened on 24 June. It is the first vessel in the innovative GADUS 5900 series of dry cargo vessels, developed and built for Faroese shipping company Navigare Shipping.
The christening ceremony took place in Harlingen and reached its highlight when the vessel’s godmother, Mrs. Bjørg Højgaard, officially named Hav Leiti and performed the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony, marking the vessel’s entry into service.
Designed, engineered and built by Royal T Shipyards, Hav Leiti is the first of four highly efficient and future-ready cargo vessels commissioned by Navigare Shipping. The series is the result of a close collaboration between the two family-owned companies.
‘Today’s christening of Hav Leiti is a proud moment for everyone involved in this project,’ said Thecla Bodewes, CEO of Royal T Shipyards. ‘This vessel represents our vision of smart, sustainable and future-proof shipping. We are grateful for the trust placed in us by Navigare Shipping and look forward to seeing Hav Leiti begin her operational life.’
Also read: Royal T Shipyards lays keel of second GADUS vessel for Navigare
Optimised cargo hold
Designed entirely in-house by Royal T Shipyards, Hav Leiti builds upon the experience gained through the delivery of numerous cargo vessels over recent decades. The vessel incorporates a covered forecastle for enhanced protection of crew and equipment, a full-beam bridge providing excellent visibility and operational comfort, and a warm, functional accommodation layout designed to make crew members feel at home during extended voyages.
With a deadweight of 5880 tonnes, the GADUS 5900 series has been designed to maximise cargo capacity while minimising fuel consumption and emissions. Measuring 89.98 metres in length, 15.45 metres in breadth and with a draught of 6.55 metres, Hav Leiti combines efficient cargo transportation with operational flexibility for short sea and regional trades.
Particular attention was given to the optimisation of the cargo hold, which was specifically tailored to Navigare Shipping’s operational requirements. With a cargo hold capacity of approximately 278,000 cubic feet, the vessel is capable of carrying a wide variety of bulk cargoes, aggregates and project cargoes while maximising cubic efficiency.
Also read: Navigare orders four GADUS vessels at Thecla Bodewes Shipyards
Diesel electric
Hav Leiti is equipped with Royal T Shipyards’ proven diesel-electric propulsion concept, already successfully applied across the LABRAX and SALMO vessel series. The installation comprises four generator sets driving a fixed-pitch propeller in a nozzle, providing excellent manoeuvrability, low fuel consumption and a high degree of redundancy. The propulsion concept supports efficient operations throughout the vessel’s trading profile while ensuring compliance with IMO Tier III emission standards.
A key feature of the vessel is its electrically powered self-discharging system. The integrated electric excavator allows efficient cargo handling while significantly reducing local emissions and noise levels during port operations.
To further support sustainable cargo handling, the vessel is fitted with a dedicated multi-input shore power transformer, specifically designed to accept various shore power configurations found in ports throughout Northern Europe. This enables emission-free cargo operations whenever suitable shore power facilities are available.
Also read: Royal T delivers first LABRAX vessel to Carisbrooke
Alternative energy and smart automation
Additional environmental measures include a sewage treatment plant suitable for environmentally sensitive operating areas, including the Baltic Sea region, and preparations for future alternative energy solutions as the maritime industry continues its transition towards lower-emission shipping.
The vessel is further equipped with Royal T Shipyards’ advanced smart automation platform, enabling continuous monitoring and collection of operational data from onboard systems. This information can be analysed remotely from shore, supporting efficient maintenance planning, operational optimisation and increased vessel availability throughout its service life.
Remaining vessels under construction
Following sea trials and final commissioning activities, Hav Leiti will commence operations for Navigare Shipping. The remaining vessels in the GADUS 5900 series are currently under construction and will be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
Picture by Royal T Shipyards.
Also read: Royal T Shipyards launches first LABRAX for Carisbrooke
