DAB Group, a Germany-based group, has recently entered the ship ownership sector by ordering two ultra-max ships from Jiangsu Soho Innovation & Technology shipyard in China. These ships are designed with a capacity of 64,500 deadweight tons (dwt), and there is also the possibility of ordering a third ship.
Timeline for the ships' entry into service
The two ships, ordered through the group's subsidiary, Dassler Schiffahrts- und Handelsgesellschaft (DSH), are expected to be put into service in the first half of 2029. This move signifies the beginning of a broader program for DAB Group in commercial ship ownership.
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Development of commercial ship ownership strategy
DAB Group has announced its intention to combine its capabilities with long-term chartered ships and gradually expand its maritime business. This is the first contract for DAB Group in ship ownership and represents a strategic shift for the group, which has previously operated without an independent fleet.
This agreement is also seen as an achievement for Jiangsu Soho Innovation & Technology in the European market, adding the new design of 64,500 dwt ships to the shipyard's order book. The Chinese group was reorganized in 2024 and has since significantly increased its shipbuilding capabilities, creating a substantial backlog until 2029.
As DAB Group gradually moves towards ship ownership, this could lead to significant changes in the maritime transport market. Given current trends in the industry, this step could enhance competition and improve services in this sector while allowing DAB Group to gain a larger share in a growing market.
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