Oldendorff brings Capesize vessels back under German flag
Oldendorff Carriers is transferring two Capesize bulk carriers to the German flag, marking the return of large dry bulk vessels to Germany’s national registry after several years without ships of this category operating under the flag.
The first vessel, Alice Oldendorff, officially transferred from the Portuguese to the German flag on November 5 while in Saldanha Bay, South Africa. The second vessel, Gina Oldendorff, is scheduled to follow in the coming months, with both ships to be registered in Hamburg as their home port.
The two Capesize carriers have a deadweight capacity of 181,963 dwt and 182,002 dwt, respectively, and each has a gross tonnage of 93,718 GT. According to Oldendorff, they will be the only large bulk carriers operating under the German flag once both registrations are completed.
The decision carries particular significance for the family-owned shipping company, which was founded in Hamburg in 1921 and has maintained its headquarters and historical connections to Germany while expanding its international dry bulk operations.
German maritime registry attracts Capesize tonnage
Oldendorff attributed the decision partly to improvements in the German flag administration and the regulatory services available to shipowners. The company also highlighted Germany’s maritime expertise and the standards associated with its national registry.
“Germany has a strong maritime heritage, deep industry expertise and a well-established framework for quality shipping,” said Peter Bagh, Chief Operating Officer of Oldendorff Carriers.
Bagh added that improvements in administrative services and support for shipowners had contributed to the decision to register the vessels in Germany, alongside the company’s longstanding connection to the country.
The move was welcomed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport, which has been pursuing measures intended to make the German flag more attractive to shipping companies and reduce administrative requirements.
“By choosing to bring these vessels under the German flag, Oldendorff is sending a strong signal of confidence in the German flag and Germany as a maritime location,” said Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport.
Hirte pointed to changes introduced over the previous two years to simplify procedures and improve the services available to shipowners, expressing the hope that additional German operators would consider registering vessels under the national flag.
As of September 2026, Germany’s merchant fleet comprised 404 vessels with a combined gross tonnage of approximately 8.86 million GT. The addition of the two Capesize bulk carriers represents a notable development for the registry, particularly in a vessel segment that has been absent from the German flag for several years.
The transfer of Alice Oldendorff has already been completed, while the registration of Gina Oldendorff remains pending. Together, the vessels will re-establish a German-flagged presence in the large bulk carrier segment.
