Progressive Indian shipbuilder Chowgule has landed a further, major order from north Europe for new-generation short-sea tonnage. Acting in concert, Boomsma Shipping of the Netherlands and Germany’s Leonhardt & Blumberg Shipmanagement have placed a firm contract covering four 8,500dwt diesel-electric dry cargo vessels, with the prospect of an eventual eight-ship series.

The Dutch influence in the programme is all the greater for the adoption of a low-emission design developed in conjunction with Conoship International, and for the matchmaking and brokerage role accorded by the JR Shipping Group, as well as prospective commercial management of the planned flotilla by a Boomsma affiliate.

Construction has been assigned to the recently acquired shipyard at Mangaluru(Mangalore), which is due to start production under Chowgule ownership next spring. Deliveries to the Dutch/German partnership are due to commence in the autumn of 2025.