Four newbuild 12,600 DWT Octopus-type multipurpose vessels with a combined lifting capacity of 500 tonnes

Singapore-based Asia Break Bulk , part of Hamburg-based COLI Group, has signed long-term agreements with Schoeller Holdings for four 12,600 DWT multipurpose project cargo newbuilds. The Octopus-type vessels, designed by CSSC-SDARI, combine two 250-tonne cranes with a single box-shaped hold of more than 89 metres and ice class 1A. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in October 2028, after which her three sister vessels will follow. 

Designed for project cargo
The two 250-tonne cranes can work in tandem for lifts of up to 500 tonnes. The single hold, at more than 89 metres length, makes it suitable for a wide range of project and heavy lift cargoes. A bridge-forward layout creates extra room for oversized cargo on deck. The design is optimised for fuel efficiency at a service speed of 15 knots. ICE-class 1A allows winter trading to ice-affected areas.

Maximum Flexibility
Asia Break Bulk has connected Asia and Europe with breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo services for two decades, expanding its regional scope over time. Indeed, 2026 marks its 20^th anniversary. One reason to build these vessels now is that Asia Break Bulk aims to fulfil the strong demand for tailor-made shipping solutions.

“We are seeing increasing demand from our customers for shorter transit times and direct access to ports and destinations with draft and infrastructure limitations.” says Maximilian Fischer, General Manager at Asia Break Bulk.

“While it’s not easy for smaller MPP vessels to compete with larger ships in terms of economies of scale, they offer distinct advantages in flexibility, accessibility and operational efficiency. Transshipments not only add time and cost but also introduce additional risk. These vessels are specifically designed to transport long, heavy and complex cargoes directly to destinations beyond the typical liner hubs, minimizing intermediate handling and ensuring efficient and reliable deliveries. For us, this investment is not simply about adding four vessels to our fleet. It is about strengthening our capabilities, responding to evolving customer requirements and ensuring that we can confidently say “yes” to the increasingly complex transport challenges our customers will bring us in the years ahead.”

Backed by COLI Group, Schoeller Holdings and Columbia Group
Asia Break Bulk’s position within COLI Group is one of the factors making this investment possible. COLI combines a global network of breakbulk and project cargo brokers, worldwide freight forwarding with a strong project profile, and carrier services. The newbuilds will strengthen both ABB’s and the group’s carrier activities and their ability to carry out complex logistics projects as one integrated operation.

Another important enabler is the fact that Schoeller Holdings is the company’s project partner, offering stability, deep knowledge of fleet building and financing, and facilitating the four newbuilds. In addition, Columbia Shipmanagement has also partnered with Asia Break Bulk. Columbia is supervising the newbuilding process and, when the vessels become operational, will take on both technical and crew management.

Felix Peinemann, Managing Director of COLI Group, comments: “Building long-term partnerships is a decision you take with a long horizon in mind. Our colleagues at Asia Break Bulk have spent twenty years earning the trust of customers between Asia and Europe, and as a group we want to back that team with modern, purpose-built tonnage. This investment in both our customers and our capabilities strengthens what COLI Group can offer in complex breakbulk transport and logistic solutions. We thank Schoeller Holdings and Columbia Shipmanagement for their trust. The partnerships with them made this project possible.”