Tuzla, Turkey | December 23, 2025 – Dutch short-sea shipping operator A2B-online officially launched its new container vessel, A2B Vision, at the SEDEF shipyard in Tuzla, marking a significant step in the company’s fleet revitalisation programme. The vessel, the first of two new-builds, is scheduled to enter service in mid-2026, followed shortly by its sister ship, A2B Progress.
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The Launch of the A2B Vision
Constructed at SEDEF, the A2B Vision is scheduled to set sail in mid-2026, with its sister vessel, A2B Progress, expected to follow shortly afterward. The vessel reflects A2B-online’s commitment to sustainable and flexible short-sea shipping.
Equipped with dual-fuel methanol engines, gate rudders, and waste heat recovery systems, the A2B Vision is designed to transport goods efficiently while minimizing environmental impact. With a capacity of 650 TEU and the ability to carry over 20 different container types, including 45ft, 30ft, and various tank containers, the vessel meets the operational and sustainability demands of the modern short-sea market.
Collaboration and Team Effort
A2B-online credited its employees, the SEDEF shipyard professionals, investors, and customers for the successful realisation of the A2B Vision.
“Building the future together. This achievement would not have been possible without the trust of our customers and shareholders, and the tireless dedication of our colleagues and the professionals at the shipyard. Thanks to them, we are ending the year on a high note. We can’t wait to officially take the A2B Vision into service.”
Technical Details and Sustainability Features
The A2B Vision is equipped with:
- Shipyard: SEDEF, Tuzla, Turkiye
- Fuel Type: Dual-fuel methanol engines
- Capacity: 650 TEU
- Container Flexibility: Over 20 types including 45ft, 30ft, and various tank containers
- Sustainability Features: Gate rudders, waste heat recovery systems, CO₂ reduction technologies
These features align with broader industry trends towards greener shipping solutions and compliance with stricter European environmental regulations.
Vessel Development Timeline
The A2B Vision’s construction has progressed through several key milestones:
- Steel Cutting – August 2024: Construction began with a steel cutting ceremony at SEDEF shipyard, signalling the start of the vessel’s build. The vessel was designed with methanol-based propulsion, energy-saving features, and capacity for 45ft containers and tanktainers, targeting a 50% CO₂ reduction per container compared with the existing fleet.
- Keel Laying – February 2025: The keel laying marked the formal foundation of the vessel. The A2B Vision is a hybrid-methanol, low-emission container ship, specifically built for short-sea trade, capable of carrying over 10 different container types.
The maiden voyage of the vessel is expected to set a benchmark for sustainable and flexible short-sea shipping.
About A2B-online
A2B-online Container BV., is a logistics service provider offering professional and flexible trailer and container services, specialising in transport and shipments between the European continent and the United Kingdom. The company provides full-load and part-load trailer services, as well as container transport, including both quay-to-quay and door-to-door shipments. Each year, A2B-online handles over 300,000 shipments for its customers.
Founded in 2006, A2B-online employs over 400 people and reports an annual turnover of EUR 140 million. The company operates from multiple locations: trailer services are coordinated from its headquarters in Hazerswoude-Dorp, while container activities are based in Moerdijk, where the company’s shipping operations are also located. Additional offices operate in Ipswich and Mold in the UK, as well as Wroclaw in Poland.
The company’s fleet includes more than 500 curtain-sided trailers, 2,400 45ft pallet-wide containers, 7 ships, and 200 trucks, supporting a comprehensive short-sea and land-based logistics network across Europe and the UK.
Source: A2B-online