CLdN orders two 6,700-lane-metre dual-fuel Ro-Ro vessels from HD Hyundai

CLdN, a leading European multimodal logistics provider, has placed an order for two new 6,700-lane-metre Ro-Ro vessels with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The ships are scheduled to be delivered in mid-2029 and will form part of CLdN's expanding shortsea shipping fleet.

Order Details and Design

The newbuildings, which mark the 15th and 16th vessels ordered by CLdN from HD Hyundai over the past decade, are designed to offer enhanced cargo capacity compared to their predecessors. Each ship will be capable of running on standard marine diesel or liquefied natural gas (LNG), with space reserved for future integration of larger electric shaft generators and batteries as these technologies mature.

CLdN highlighted that while the fuel consumption per vessel is expected to remain similar to its existing 5,000-lane-metre class ships, the increased cargo capacity is forecasted to improve overall fuel efficiency by up to 40 per cent per tonne-kilometre. These vessels will feature an additional deck and wider ramps for loading and unloading, allowing for quicker turnaround times at ports.

The new Ro-Ro ferries are set to provide more ground space compared to CLdN’s existing 5,000-lane-metre vessels, with cargo reaching the upper decks directly via wide ramps. This layout is expected to support high-frequency schedules operated across CLdN's European shortsea network and reduce port turnaround times.

According to baird maritime, these dual-fuel Ro-Ro vessels will sit between CLdN’s existing H5 class, which provides 5,000 lane metres per ship, and its larger G9 vessels. The company's two G9 ships each offer 8,000 lane metres, while two 8,400-lane-metre G9e hybrid vessels entered service in 2025.

Environmental Considerations

The use of LNG as a fuel is seen as a more mature and readily available alternative to other fuels such as methanol. While LNG emits less CO2 than conventional marine fuels, methane slip — involving the release of potent greenhouse gases — can undermine some of its environmental benefits.

Some industry stakeholders are exploring cleaner bio-LNG as an alternative fuel due to its compatibility with existing LNG-fuelled ships and higher net GHG savings. However, CLdN's vessels will be capable of running on both standard marine diesel and LNG, offering flexibility in a changing regulatory landscape and allowing the company to adapt to future technological advancements.

Operational Advantages

The additional cargo capacity and improved fuel efficiency are expected to provide significant operational advantages. By reducing fuel consumption per tonne-kilometre by up to 40 per cent, CLdN can lower its operating costs while maintaining high-frequency schedules across its shortsea network.

Additionally, the wide ramps for loading and unloading will enable faster turnaround times at ports, enhancing overall service reliability. The extra deck space allows for more efficient cargo handling, which is crucial for meeting the demands of a fast-paced shipping industry.

What this means for operators

The order from CLdN highlights the growing trend towards dual-fuel technology and the increasing adoption of LNG as a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuels. For other ship operators, these new vessels serve as an example of how investments in modern, efficient Ro-Ro vessels can lead to reduced operational costs and improved service reliability.

With CLdN's existing 6,700-lane-metre ships set to enter service in mid-2029, other operators may consider similar investments to enhance their fleet capabilities and meet the increasing demands for efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The order also underscores the ongoing importance of partnerships between shipping companies and shipbuilders in driving innovation and sustainability within the maritime industry.

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