Lidl buys and charters container ships for new shipping line

German-headquartered international supermarket, Lidl, has reportedly reached agreements to charter three vessels and acquire a fourth.

The news comes as the company recently filed a trademark to start a new shipping line to transport its goods. The move aims to help reduce delays and ease transport costs amid the ongoing supply chain crisis.

Lidl plans to launch operations for Tailwind Shipping Lines within the next few months and is expected to operate its ships alongside the major shipping companies while continuing to work with the major carriers for a portion of its transportation needs.

The supermarket chain also confirmed that it plans to move on its own ships a portion of its volume, reported as being in the range of 400 to 500teu a week.

Consultancy Alphaliner identified the vessels being chartered as coming from Hamburg’s Peter Doehle Schiffahrt. According to Alphaliner, Lidl is chartering the sister ships Wiking and Jadrana. Both vessels were built in China and delivered in 2014 and 2016. Each has a carrying capacity of 4,957teu including reefer plugs for 600 containers. Each of the vessels measures 836ft in length and is 58,000dwt.

Shipping firm Peter Dohle is also reportedly arranging for Lidl to purchase a third vessel, the Talassa, which was built in China and delivered in 2005. The 68,288dwt vessel can carry up to 5,527 teus and has 500 reefer plugs.

Michael Vinnen, manager at F. A. Vinnen & Co. confirmed that his company has chartered the 51,000dwt Merkur Ocean to Tailwind. On his LinkedIn account, Vinnen posted: “We are very much looking forward to be working with Tailwind Shipping Lines and are proud that they have chosen our vessel. So don’t forget to shop at Lidl markets to keep our vessel fully loaded.”

The Merkur Ocean has a capacity of 3,868 teu including 500 reefer plugs.