Luther advises Ernst Russ and Eimskip JV ElbFeeder on shipbuilding contracts for two next-generation container vessels

The newbuilds will be constructed by China Merchants Jin Ling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the China Merchants Industry Group. Delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2028, with options for two additional vessels. Developed in cooperation with the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), the vessels are specifically designed for the demanding conditions of the North Atlantic routes. They feature dual-fuel propulsion systems designed for both LNG and methanol, combining energy efficiency with significantly reduced emissions. The newbuilds thus contribute to a more sustainable and future-oriented global shipping industry.

The vessels will operate under a long-term time charter on Eimskip’s Blue Line between Reykjavík and Rotterdam. This secures the sustainability of Eimskip’s North Atlantic service while ensuring a stable income base for the joint venture.

The Luther team was led by Dr. Benjamin Hub (Partner) and Jakob Kauffeldt, LL.M. (Senior Associate), both members of the firm’s shipping practice, who successfully enabled the transaction and advised on all key legal aspects of the project. 

Luther has extensive experience in maritime and shipping law. In addition to newbuilding projects, the firm has a strong focus on advising on S&P transactions, ship financing, chartering, and ship management agreements. Luther regularly supports domestic and international clients, banks, and investors from the maritime sector in complex transactions and in investments in innovative shipping solutions, drawing on its full-service approach as well as the local knowledge of its various foreign offices.

About Elbfeeder:

Hamburg-based Elbfeeder was founded in 2017 and currently operates a fleet of seven vessels. The joint venture consists of Eimskip and Ernst Russ as shareholders. Upon delivery of the newbuilds, the ElbFeeder fleet will increase to a total of nine vessels.

About Eimskip: 

Founded in 1914, Eimskip is a leading transport company headquartered in Reykjavík, Iceland. With more than 1,700 employees and 57 offices in 20 countries, Eimskip operates a fleet of 14 vessels as well as an extensive land transport network, terminal operations, and warehousing and cold storage facilities.

Eimskip provides container and refrigerated container transport services across the North Atlantic, connecting to international markets, and is specialised in global forwarding services with a particular focus on frozen and fresh produce. The company has built a strong foundation for excellent customer service and the reliable delivery of transport solutions.

About Ernst Russ AG: 

Ernst Russ AG is a publicly listed, internationally operating ship-owner based in Hamburg, Germany. Parts of the company’s history date back to 1893. At present, the Ernst Russ Group manages a fleet of 26 vessels, some of which are operated jointly with strategic partners. The company focuses on container vessels ranging from 700 to 4,200 TEU, complemented by a larger container vessel of around 13,400 TEU, as well as a handysize bulker and a multipurpose vessel.

Its objective is to operate a sustainable fleet with a balanced distribution of employment periods, thereby ensuring long-term risk diversification.

On behalf of ElbFeeder Germany GmbH:

Luther, Dr Benjamin Hub (Partner), Corporate Law, M&A and Maritime Law

Luther, Jakob Kauffeldt, LL.M. (Senior Associate), Corporate Law, M&A and Maritime Law

Luther, Dr Astrid Seehafer, M.Sc. (Partner), Environment, Planning, Regulatory

Luther, Isabel Dorothee Ruhnke, LL.M. (Senior Associate), Environment, Planning, Regulatory