Langh Ship completes MPP trio, Sofia head to Europe

Finnish shipping company Langh Ship has bolstered its fleet with the arrival of the MPP Sofia, the third of three purpose-built 7,800 dwt multipurpose (MPP) vessels constructed in Ningbo, China. Following a celebratory naming ceremony, the Sofia has embarked on its maiden voyage to Europe, navigating the Singapore Strait and taking the scenic route around Africa.

Sister ship to the Olivia and Lovisa, the Sofia is specifically designed to transport stainless steel coils produced by Outokumpu in Finland. This dedicated liner service connects Outokumpu factories in Tornio, Finland, with Terneuzen in the Netherlands, establishing a sustainable closed-loop system. Stainless steel travels south, while raw materials, often recycled steel scrap, journey north to replenish the Finnish steel mill.

Langh Ship and Outokumpu boast a long-standing partnership. The addition of these MPP newbuilds significantly increases cargo capacity handled by Langh Ship vessels, with a total of six ships soon dedicated to the Outokumpu service.

Operating in the demanding northern Baltic Sea, where Tornio is situated, necessitates special considerations. These harsh winter conditions require vessels with robust technical specifications to withstand the elements. Complementing the resilient design, Langh Ship crews possess exceptional winter navigation expertise, ensuring safe and efficient year-round operations.

This strategic MPP fleet expansion underscores Langh Ship’s commitment to providing reliable and sustainable transportation solutions for the steel industry.

“It is truly inspiring to work as a logistics provider for Outokumpu, as both parties share the passion to reduce emissions from shipping and continuously keep looking for more energy-efficient transport solutions. Now the latest ongoing project involves carbon capture, where we pilot a solution developed by Langh Tech on one of the vessels that we have in Outokumpu liner service,” says Langh Ship’s Managing Director Laura Langh-Lagerlöf.