Odfjell has launched the 25,000 dwt Bow Fortitude at Fukuoka Shipyard, marking 25 years of partnership with the Japanese builder. Featuring 24 stainless-steel tanks and advanced efficiency tech, the vessel is part of a 10-ship expansion slated for 2026. As one of 23 vessels in Odfjell’s dominant 25k dwt segment, the Bow Fortitude strengthens the company’s global capacity for high-spec, sustainable chemical transportation.
Japan | March, 29, 2026 – Odfjell has marked another significant milestone in its aggressive fleet renewal program with the official naming and launching of the Bow Fortitude. Built at the renowned Fukuoka Shipyard, the 25,000 dwt chemical tanker is the latest in a series of advanced stainless-steel vessels designed to optimize cargo flexibility and energy efficiency.
The Bow Fortitude is a key component of Odfjell’s current expansion strategy, which will see ten new vessels join the fleet within the 2026 calendar year.
A 25-Year Legacy of Japanese Precision
The launch celebrates more than just a new vessel; it marks a quarter-century of partnership between Odfjell and Fukuoka Shipyards. Since the delivery of the Bow De Silver in 2001, the yard has produced 18 vessels for the Norwegian shipping giant.
During the ceremony, Harald Fotland, CEO of Odfjell Tankers highlighted the technical excellence required to bring such a vessel to life:
“Shipbuilding is a complicated matter all the way from the drawing table through steel cutting, through construction and to the final outfitting and sea trials. There has to be quality in all elements of the production chain,” Fotland stated. “Your vessels are a true testimony to the famous tradition of shipbuilding in Japan. On specification and on time – all that we can ask for.”
Global Reach: Strengthening the 25,000 DWT Segment
The Bow Fortitude enters one of the world’s largest stainless-steel fleets. Odfjell now operates 23 vessels in the 25,000–26,000 dwt range, a segment the company considers vital for its global service offering.
Key Vessel Highlights:
- Capacity: 25,000 dwt with 24 specialized stainless-steel tanks.
- Optimization: High-grade energy-efficiency solutions to meet modern decarbonization targets.
- Performance: Proven hull design tailored for the demanding chemical trade.
“This is a concept and a vessel size that has proven to be very good, and it is today an integral part of the Odfjell fleet,” Fotland added. “The Japanese-built vessels are among the top performers in this category, and the reason why we come back for more.”
About Odfjell
Established in 1914 and headquartered in Bergen, Norway, Odfjell is a global market leader in the seaborne transportation and storage of chemicals and other specialized bulk liquids. Operating a highly sophisticated fleet of approximately 70+ vessels and four terminals worldwide, Odfjell pioneered the chemical tanker trade and is committed to safe, efficient, and sustainable logistics.
Source: Odfjell