Multipurpose vessel operators in Germany and China have placed orders for up to 12 ships worth about US$450 million, reports London's S&P Global.

The expansion reflects strong demand from the global wind energy sector, where turbines, blades and monopiles provide steady cargo for MPV and heavy-lift operators.

Nordic Hamburg Group signed contracts for three 13,300-dwt heavy-lift multipurpose vessels, with options for two more, at Wuhu Shipyard in east China. Shipbrokers valued the order at about $150 million.

The Ice-class ships will feature two 250-ton cranes with a combined lifting capacity of 500 tons, cargo holds of 936,000 cubic feet and fuel efficiency more than 20 per cent higher than older vessels. Delivery is expected in 2027.

Nordic Hamburg manages about 60 ships, including container and conro vessels, alongside its MPV fleet. The newbuilds will strengthen its position in project cargo transport.

Separately, Fujian Highton Development ordered up to seven 62,000-dwt multipurpose and heavy-lift vessels from Taizhou Kouan Shipbuilding. The deal, worth about $300 million, includes firm contracts for three ships due in 2029 and options for four more.

Fujian capped its investment in the first three vessels at $130 million, according to a Shanghai stock exchange filing. The company, which operates about 80 MPVs and dry cargo ships, aims to expand its fleet to 100 vessels by 2030.