THE acquisition of four multipurpose heavy lift vessels will strengthen Swire Shipping’s capacity to handle complex project cargoes while securing long-term fleet stability for its customers.
Swire Shipping announced that the vessels, which are currently operated by its specialist project and heavy lift cargo business, Swire Projects, will be acquired from lease arrangements with Nordic Project & Finance.
The company will also charter the remaining two vessels for a further two years, ensuring continued capacity and service continuity.
The move is part of the full integration of Swire Projects under the Swire Shipping brand in November, bringing its project and heavy lift cargo operations under a single identity.
“The integration of Swire Projects into the Swire Shipping brand marks an important milestone in our growth journey,” said Swire Shipping Projects general manager, Namir Khanbabi.
“Over the last six years, Swire Projects has built a strong reputation in the project and heavy lift cargo sector, handling some of the world’s most complex and demanding shipments,” Khanbabi said.
Khanbabi said bringing the business under the Swire Shipping brand would strengthen its market proposition and enable closer integration with its liner shipping and landside logistics services.
The four-vessel acquisition represents a significant investment in Swire Shipping’s fleet and will support transportation solutions across industries including renewables, mining, construction and infrastructure, oil and gas, power generation, and marine and offshore.
“This investment demonstrates our confidence in the project and heavy lift cargo market and our long-term commitment to serving customers with dedicated, high-quality tonnage,” said Swire Shipping chief operating officer, Mark Celenk.
“By securing ownership of four vessels and extending access to the remaining two, we are strengthening our operational flexibility while maintaining the specialised capabilities our customers rely upon,” Celenk said.
Swire Shipping said existing services would not be disrupted by the brand integration.
The company will continue to provide project engineering services under the Swire Shipping name, with the transition to be implemented over the coming months.
