Danish owner and operator Norden is stepping into the ice-class segment, tying a long-term cargo deal to a fresh newbuilding order in China.

The Copenhagen-listed company has signed a contract of affreightment (COA) with Swedish mining group LKAB for up to 10 years, covering shipments of bentonite from Greece to northern Sweden.

To back the contract, Norden has ordered two 23,000 dwt multipurpose vessels at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, with deliveries lined up for 2028.

The move marks a push by the Jan Rindbo-led group into more specialised trades, linking long-term cargo commitments with dedicated tonnage.

“This supports our strategy of growing long-term business with more stable earnings,” Rindbo said, adding that the new ships will also expand the company’s reach in ice-prone regions.

The vessels will be built to Finnish-Swedish Ice Class 1A standards, fitted with two 80-tonne cranes and be capable of running on biofuels.

For Norden, the deal bolsters its shift towards contract-backed business, while adding capability in niche segments. The company said the newbuilds will also open the door to additional cargo opportunities beyond the LKAB contract, as the company looks to serve more customers moving goods into ice-affected regions.