Longship Group has taken delivery of LONGPEARL, the first vessel in its new PMAX ECO TRADER series, marking the start of an eight-ship fleet renewal programme focused on efficiency and sustainability. The 6,000-dwt vessel features advanced eco-technologies and optimized fuel performance designed to support greener shortsea shipping in Europe.
Groningen | March 12, 2026 – Longship Group has marked a major milestone in its fleet renewal and sustainability strategy with the successful delivery of LONGPEARL, the first vessel in its new PMAX ECO TRADER series.
The vessel officially joined the Longship fleet on 6 March 2026, following its launch and christening ceremony on 19 November. The delivery represents the first of an eight-vessel programme designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen Longship’s position in the European shortsea shipping market.
First Vessel in an Eight-Ship Eco Series
LONGPEARL is the inaugural vessel in a planned series of eight PMAX ECO TRADER ships that combine modern design, fuel efficiency, and environmentally responsible technologies.
With a deadweight capacity of approximately 6,000 tonnes, the vessel has been designed to support efficient coastal and regional cargo transportation while minimizing environmental impact.
According to Longship, the PMAX ECO TRADER class incorporates optimized fuel performance and advanced eco-technologies aimed at reducing emissions and improving overall operational efficiency.
The company believes the new vessel series will establish a new benchmark for sustainable shortsea shipping in Europe as the industry faces increasing pressure to improve environmental performance and meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Built Through Dutch-Norwegian Collaboration
The PMAX ECO TRADER vessels are being constructed through a collaboration between GS Projects and Ship and Steelbuilding (SaS) at the Dutch shipyard in Waterhuizen, the Netherlands.
The project combines expertise in ship design, construction, and sustainable maritime technologies, resulting in a vessel class tailored to the future needs of the European shortsea sector.
The remaining vessels in the series are expected to be delivered in phases, further expanding Longship’s modern fleet and supporting the company’s long-term growth ambitions.
Supporting a Sustainable Shipping Future
Longship stated that the delivery of LONGPEARL reflects its ongoing commitment to building a future-ready fleet capable of meeting both customer expectations and environmental objectives.
The company has placed sustainability at the centre of its fleet development strategy, investing in modern tonnage and lower-emission propulsion solutions to improve efficiency while reducing its environmental footprint.
The PMAX ECO TRADER programme forms a key component of this strategy, helping Longship strengthen its competitiveness in the regional cargo market while supporting broader industry decarbonisation goals.
Fleet Renewal Continues
The delivery is part of a wider fleet modernisation programme that has characterized Longship’s growth over the past decade.
The company has steadily invested in newer vessels, expanded into additional vessel size segments, and introduced low-emission propulsion technologies as part of its commitment to green shipping.
Longship noted that the arrival of LONGPEARL represents another important step in the evolution of its fleet and reinforces its ambition to remain at the forefront of sustainable shortsea shipping.
The company also thanked its project partners, shipyard teams, and all stakeholders involved in bringing the vessel from concept to delivery.
About Longship
Longship is a ship operator and logistics company with roots in Norway and the Netherlands, specializing in European shortsea shipping. Founded in 2009, the company has grown into a significant tonnage supplier and carrier in the European shortsea market, serving a wide range of cargo segments across regional trade routes.
Over the past decade, Longship has pursued a comprehensive fleet renewal programme focused on sustainability, operational efficiency, and fleet diversification. The company currently operates within the 4,000 to 11,000 deadweight tonne segment and continues to invest in modern vessels and low-emission technologies to support the future of green shipping.
Source: Longship