Hagland Poseidon Naming Ceremony and Launching

Hagland Shipping entered into a contract in 2024 with Royal Bodewes for the construction of four self-discharging bulk carriers of approximately 5,000 DWT. The vessels are designed for zero emissions while in port and significant reductions in emissions at sea. Hagland’s goal is to contribute to greener short-sea shipping by reducing both local and global greenhouse gas emissions as well as noise pollution. The vessels will replace older ships with traditional propulsion systems, introducing modern optimized vessels featuring plug-in battery hybrid solutions and electrically operated excavators. Upon delivery of these vessels, two-thirds of Hagland’s owned fleet will be equipped with battery hybrid technology.

In April 2026, Hagland Shipping took delivery of Hagland Polaris, the first of four vessels in a series built by Royal Bodewes. The series is a further development of the three vessels delivered from the same shipyard in 2022 and 2023. Several innovations have been implemented, including a “heat-to-power” system that recovers surplus heat from exhaust gases and cooling systems and converts it into electricity. The upgrades are already delivering strong results. Compared with our 15-year-old vessels, we are achieving more than a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions during sailing, with the potential for an additional 15% reduction if more ports offered shore power facilities. The vessels are also equipped with engine systems that can be converted to methanol propulsion in the future. All vessels in the series will sail under the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS) flag. In total, Hagland Shipping is investing more than NOK 800 million, marking the largest investment in the group’s history.

The project has secured support from the NOx Fund’s fleet‑renewal programme for the short‑sea shipping sector. Long‑term loan financing for all vessels has been firmly established through DNB and Innovation Norway.

Hagland Poseidon was today christened and launched at the Royal Bodewes shipyard in the Netherlands. The godmother, Siri Wendelbo Johansen, successfully broke the bottle, and the vessel was launched sideways into the canal as planned. Completion is expected after sea trials in mid to late August 2026. A second vessel is scheduled for delivery around Christmas, with the final vessel in the series to follow in the first half of 2027. Like the greek God Poseidon, Hagland Poseidon symbolizes strength, reliability, and respect for the ocean. With this vessel, we continue advancing our commitment to safer and more environmentally responsible short-sea shipping.

We extend our sincere thanks to the godmother, the teams at the shipyard and subcontractors, and everyone at Hagland Shipping for their exceptional effort and dedication throughout the project.

About Hagland Shipping

Hagland Shipping was established in 1983 and operates a total of 12 self-discharging vessels in addition to three newbuilds, primarily trading in Northern Europe and the Baltics. In 2021, we completed the conversion of Hagland Captain, the world's first battery-hybrid vessel in this segment. In 2021 and 2022, Hagland Shipping ordered its first three newbuilds, all equipped with the same environmental technology. The newly ordered vessels build on the experience gained from these projects and will operate within the company’s regular trading area. At the same time, they strengthen the company’s position in the market for self-discharging bulk carriers.

Hagland Shipping is a leading operator in its segment, with vessels of 3,700-5,000 DWT transporting stone, timber, and other bulk cargoes for industrial clients across Northern Europe. The company reported revenues of NOK 566 million in 2025 and is part of the Hagland group.

For further information, please contact:

Paal W. Aanensen (Co-CEO), +47 997 28 224//Øivind W. Aanensen (Co-CEO), +47 900 67 713