Since its establishment in 1921, Oldendorff Carriers has grown into one of the world’s leading dry bulk owners and operators. Today we celebrate 104 years of one-stop shipping, assuring the service quality and responsiveness that your bulk transportation needs.
Each year, we carry about 380 million tons of bulk and unitised cargo around the world. We perform 15,000 port calls in 127 countries. On average, we operate about 700 chartered and owned ships at any one time.
From our roots as a small German shipowner we have grown into one of the world’s leading dry bulk operators. With 4,500 employees from 60 countries, 20 offices and 8 transshipment projects, we can cater for your bulk transportation needs.
Family ownership gives us an edge over many of our competitors, who have a more anonymous shareholding structure. Profits are not paid out as dividends, but retained for future investments, so we can pursue a long-term counter-cyclical strategy. As a specialist in spot business, industrial contracts and offshore transshipment, we focus fully on drybulk logistics.
Our transshipment solutions enable clients to use bigger ships on long haul routes, resulting in freight savings. We transship iron ore for steel clients in the Arabian Gulf, coal for power stations in Türkiye, Bangladesh and Northern Vietnam, bauxite from Kamsar, Guinea and coal and other commodities at our transshipment hubs in Trinidad and Southern Vietnam.
Our dedicated people and financial standing enable us to assure the quality of service and the fast and flexible responsiveness that our clients have come to expect from us. Your cargo and your business are safe with us.
OLDENDORFF CARRIERS continues to deliver positive financial results and excellent operational performance. Having a strong financial position and low leverage – with long debt maturities and fixed interest rates – puts us on a sound financial footing. Our current investment program of approximately US$ 4 billion in environmentally friendly vessels is funded primarily from operational cashflow.
Our significant net worth gives confidence to our clients, who entrust us with long-term industrial CoA’s and repeat spot business. Throughout our 104 year history, we have performed 100% of our contracts, charters and financial obligations. We will never let you down.
Oldendorff Carriers drives sustainable shipping by investing in fuel-efficient eco-ships and adopting innovative technologies and processes to optimize vessel and operational efficiency. Our efforts align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the IMO’s decarbonization targets.
Reducing Biofouling and Enhancing Efficiency with Advanced Coatings
Many of our owned vessels are equipped with silicone-based fouling-release coating, which minimizes biofouling on hulls. This lowers fuel consumption and GHG emissions while significantly reducing the need for biocides.
Harnessing Wind Power to Reduce Fuel Use and Emissions
In 2024 Oldendorff successfully installed and deployed Flettner Rotors on the Chinook Oldendorff. These rotors harness wind energy to generate additional thrust, reducing fuel consumption by about 10-15% on our Canada-China route.
Optimising Propulsion with Innovative Fuel-Saving Technologies
The majority of vessels in our owned fleet is equipped with fuel-saving technologies, including the Becker Mewis Duct and rudder bulb. The Mewis Duct improves water flow to the propeller, increasing thrust, while the rudder bulb streamlines the wake behind the propeller. Together, these features improve fuel efficiency by 5-8%.
Lowering Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through Advanced Systems
We have equipped most of our owned fleet with an advanced emission abatement system to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure compliance with global regulations.
Exploring Sustainable Fuel Alternatives for a Greener Future
In 2019, we conducted a biofuel trial in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to assess its viability as a lower-emission fuel. Our Sustainability and Bunkers Teams continue to explore alternative fuels to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Enhancing Cargo Transfers to Minimise Supply Chain Emissions
Since the start of our first transshipment project in 2001, we have invested over US$ 600 million in the segment and are now running 9 project around the globe. By enabling efficient cargo transfers closer to shore, transshipment reduces the need for long-haul shipments on smaller vessels, lowering supply chain emissions by up to 31% compared to direct shipping without transshipment.
Optimising Voyage Planning and Speed for Greater Efficiency
We optimize our fleet’s efficiency through ECO Speed, adjusting sailing speeds based on operational needs. By optimizing voyage planning and speed management, we lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhance fuel efficiency.
Maximising Energy Recovery and Reducing Onboard Consumption
Fitted with an auxiliary engine economizer, our vessels are designed to re-capture waste heat from the auxiliary engines, improving overall energy efficiency. Additionally, we have replaced all lighting onboard with energy efficient LEDs.
Improving Vessel Performance Through Regular Hull Maintenance
We enhance vessel efficiency through regular hull cleaning, which removes biofouling to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics. This approach reduces fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
Refining Hydrodynamic Design to Reduce Resistance and Fuel Use
Our vessels feature an optimal bow design, engineered to reduce water resistance and improve hydrodynamic performance. By enhancing flow efficiency, this design lowers fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to more efficient operations