Aft Section of Wagenborg’s EasyMax 6 Transported on SPMTs at Delfzijl Shipyard

Second Takeaway

The aft section of Wagenborg’s EasyMax 6, weighing nearly 800 tonnes, has been successfully transported on SPMTs from the construction hall to the quay side at Royal Niestern Sander in Delfzijl. The operation marks a key milestone in the assembly of the sixth EasyMax vessel, which is scheduled for delivery in summer 2026.

Modular Shipbuilding and Heavy Transport

Modern shipbuilding increasingly relies on modular construction methods, allowing large vessel sections to be fabricated indoors before being transported for final assembly. This approach improves quality control, safety and efficiency but requires highly coordinated heavy transport operations capable of moving extremely heavy and sensitive structures.

Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) play a critical role in these processes, providing the flexibility and precision needed to move large ship sections within constrained shipyard environments.

Major Aft Section Move at Royal Niestern Sander

The aft ship section of yard number 855 was safely and successfully transported from the construction hall to the quay side at shipyard Royal Niestern Sander in Delfzijl. The vessel is being built as EasyMax 6 for Royal Wagenborg and is scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2026.

The transported section includes the vessel’s main engine and weighs close to 800 tonnes, making it one of the heaviest individual components in the ship’s construction process.

SPMT Configuration and Transport Execution

The transport operation was carried out using a combination of 2×12-axle and 2×6-axle Self Propelled Modular Trailers, providing the load distribution and manoeuvrability required for the move from the construction hall to the quay.

With the aft section now positioned at the quay side, preparations can continue for the next phase of construction, including the joining of this section with the remaining hull blocks. The successful move represents a critical step in the overall assembly sequence of the sixth EasyMax vessel.

EasyMax Concept and Vessel Design

The EasyMax concept was introduced by Wagenborg in 2017 as a new generation of multipurpose cargo vessels. The design focuses on combining high cargo capacity with improved fuel efficiency, resulting in significantly lower emissions compared to conventional ships in the same class.

With a deadweight of approximately 14,000 tonnes, EasyMax vessels are designed to handle a wide range of cargoes, including forest products, steel and project cargo, offering operational flexibility across multiple trade segments.

Fleet Renewal and Future Developments

Earlier this year, Wagenborg placed an order for six new EasyMax 2.0 fuel-flex vessels as part of its ongoing fleet renewal strategy. The new generation builds on the original EasyMax design while incorporating enhanced efficiency and alternative fuel capabilities to support long-term sustainability goals.

The construction progress of EasyMax 6 reflects Wagenborg’s continued investment in modern, efficient tonnage aligned with evolving environmental and market requirements.

About Royal Wagenborg

Royal Wagenborg is a Dutch shipping company specialising in multipurpose cargo transport, offshore services and heavy-lift logistics. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and fleet renewal, Wagenborg operates a modern fleet designed to serve a wide range of industrial and project cargo markets worldwide.

Visit website: https://www.wagenborg.com

About Royal Niestern Sander

Royal Niestern Sander is a Dutch shipyard based in Delfzijl, specialising in the design and construction of advanced vessels, including multipurpose cargo ships and specialised tonnage. The shipyard is known for its modular construction approach and capability to deliver complex newbuild projects.

Visit website: https://www.niesternsander.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What was transported during the operation at Delfzijl?

The aft ship section of EasyMax 6, including the main engine and weighing nearly 800 tonnes, was transported from the construction hall to the quay side.

How was the aft section moved?

The section was transported using Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) configured in 2×12-axle and 2×6-axle combinations.

What is EasyMax 6?

EasyMax 6 is the sixth vessel in Wagenborg’s EasyMax series, a new generation of multipurpose cargo ships designed for efficiency and flexibility.

What is the deadweight of EasyMax vessels?

EasyMax vessels have a deadweight of approximately 14,000 tonnes, enabling them to carry a wide range of cargo types.

When is EasyMax 6 scheduled for delivery?

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in summer 2026.