en.Wedoany.com Reported - German listed shipowner Ernst Russ has officially entered the tanker shipping market by acquiring four new vessels under construction at a Chinese shipyard, accelerating the advancement of its strategic expansion layout. 
Recently, Ernst Russ announced via its official website that the company has signed an agreement with an undisclosed shipowner to acquire four 18,500 dwt IMO Type II chemical/product tankers ordered by the latter. This batch of newbuildings is being constructed by Wuhu Shipyard, with the first two vessels scheduled for delivery between Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, and the subsequent two planned for delivery between Q1 and Q2 2027. 
According to information released by Ernst Russ, the four chemical/product tankers have already secured time charter contracts for a minimum period of five years, with the charters commencing upon delivery. This will add approximately $126 million to the company's charter backlog. This series of charter contracts includes extension options, ensuring stable cash flow for the next five to eight years.
It is reported that the overall technical configuration of these IMO Type II chemical/product tankers is positioned for the high-end market segment. The new vessels are equipped with cargo tanks coated with MarineLINE, capable of transporting a variety of cargoes including vegetable oils, petroleum products, and chemicals. They feature methanol-ready design, ensuring long-term operational feasibility. Built to Ice Class 1B standards, they have Great Lakes navigation capability and can be deployed in niche markets with significant freight rate advantages.
It is noteworthy that the acquisition of these four vessels under construction at Wuhu Shipyard marks Ernst Russ's official entry into the tanker shipping market. This is the company's latest move to promote diversification into specific shipping market segments. The company believes that these modern newbuildings combine cargo flexibility with high technical specifications and comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. This move will not only contribute to fleet renewal but also create more flexibility for commercial operations and ensure long-term, stable operational capability.
The official website shows that Ernst Russ is a listed international shipping company headquartered in Hamburg, with part of its history dating back to 1893. The company currently manages 27 vessels (some operated in partnership with strategic partners), with a fleet consisting of container ships, bulk carriers, and multipurpose vessels. Its fleet is primarily composed of 700 to 4,200 TEU container ships, and it also owns one 13,400 TEU large container ship, three multipurpose cargo ships, and one handy-size bulk carrier.
Regarding newbuilding orders, Ernst Russ holds orders for two new vessels, namely two 2,280 TEU dual-fuel container ships being built by Nanjing Jinling. This shipbuilding contract was announced in September 2025 and includes options for two sister vessels. The first two ships are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2028. This represents Ernst Russ's first investment in newbuildings in decades.
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