Frankfurt-listed shipowner Ernst Russ is branching into tankers, agreeing to acquire four 18,500 dwt intermediate-class chemical/product newbuildings backed by long-term charters.

The Hamburg-based owner said all four vessels will be fixed on contracts of at least five years from delivery, adding about $126m to its charter backlog.

The ships are under construction at Wuhu Shipyard in China, with deliveries staggered from late 2026 through the first half of 2027.

The units will be IMO Type II tankers, fitted with 12 coated cargo tanks to handle a wide range of products, from chemicals to vegetable oils and refined fuels, the company said, adding that they will also be methanol-ready and carry Ice Class 1B notation, giving access to niche trades including the Great Lakes.

Co-chief executive Joseph Schuchmann said the move targets a segment with limited supply and growing demand for modern tonnage, particularly in trades with tighter technical requirements.

The deal marks Ernst Russ’s first step into the tanker market, adding to a fleet that has so far focused mainly on boxships, alongside a smaller presence in multipurpose and dry bulk segments.