D. Oltmann Reederei, the low-profile Bremen-based German non-operating owner, has been identified as the European owner behind four 10,010 TEU container ship orders placed at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) in Korea. According to Alphaliner, Oltmann placed the orders in two pairs in February and April 2026, with all four vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028 at two-monthly intervals from April through October.
The ships will measure 289 metres in length and 45.6 metres in beam, the maximum size HJSC can build in its existing drydocks. Alphaliner believes Hamburg-based MPC Group is involved in the transaction in some capacity, though whether the group holds an equity stake in the vessels remains unclear; MPC had been sitting on the four HJSC slots but did not exercise them directly.
The orders represent a significant fleet expansion for Oltmann, which currently manages 14 container ships ranging from 3,700 to 10,010 TEU. The company's youngest and largest vessel is the RDO Ace, a 10,010 TEU ship built by Yangzijiang in 2018 and acquired from Navigare Capital Partners in 2023.
Alphaliner notes that while it has no confirmation of forward charter commitments for the four newbuildings, it would be unusual for a conservative owner of Oltmann's profile to commit to four large vessels on a purely speculative basis. Potential charter candidates in the 10,000 TEU segment include carriers seeking Asia-Europe capacity. ZIM had also been reported to be seeking vessels of around 10,000 TEU on long-term charter, though Hapag-Lloyd's planned takeover of the Israeli carrier has cast some doubt over those plans.
Key Takeaways:
1. D. Oltmann Reederei has ordered 4 x 10,010 TEU container ships at HJSC in Korea.
2. The orders were placed in two pairs in February and April 2026; deliveries scheduled bimonthly in 2028 from April to October.
3. Each vessel will measure 289 metres in length and 45.6 metres in beam, HJSC's maximum drydock size.
4. MPC Group is involved in some capacity, though its equity stake remains unclear.
5. Oltmann's current fleet comprises 14 container ships ranging from 3,700 to 10,010 TEU.
