Erik Thun Group has placed an order for two new AccessMAX vessels designed explicitly for constrained waterways and niche port access strengthening the Group’s long-term, customer-driven offering.

AccessMAX: Increased accessibility with a decreased footprint
AccessMAX combines Lake Vänern compliant dimensions with shallow draft capability and a cargo intake increase of approximately 10 percent compared to previous generations of product tankers designed for similar trade. The ordered vessels will enable increased, efficient, and reliable cargo-flow into smaller, niche ports while retaining full flexibility for broader, seaborne Northwest European operations. The design combines the next generation of sustainable product tankers with decades of in-house experience and close collaboration with the yard Ferus Smit, ensuring reliable performance in tight approaches and seasonal conditions. compliant dimensions with shallowdraft capability and an increased cargo intake, enabling efficient cargo flows deep into Sweden while retaining full flexibility for broader North Sea and Northwest European operations. The design draws on decades of operational experience and close collaboration with yards such as Ferus Smit, ensuring reliable performance in tight approaches and seasonal conditions.

This strategic step comes as the region’s logistics face increasing demands for resilient inland and coastal connectivity. Johan Källsson, managing director of Erik Thun Group, notes: “AccessMAX is a practical step for our customers and ports. By combining shallow draft capability with the increased intake, we can serve Lake Vänern and similar constrained waterways reliably while maintaining the efficiency and care that define our family company.”

A deliberate order, leading the development for regional distribution
With a long history of regional trade, Erik Thun Group has practical know-how of complex routes with customer needs consistently at the forefront. The AccessMAX solution will be tailormade for the trade and with its design, enable sustainable growth and reliability.

Expanding on its operational value, Joakim Lund, CCO of Thun Tankers, adds: “These vessels will be engineered for the realities of our trade with restricted approaches, tight locks, and future cargo needs. AccessMAX design will enable businesses situated in restricted ports to develop and grow in a sustainable manner”

Trusted partners and engineering continuity
The AccessMAX vessels continue Erik Thun Group’s collaboration with the Dutch shipbuilder Ferus Smit, which have delivered more than fifty dry-cargo and tankers to the Group. The partnership builds on shared quality engineering principles for a long and reliable operational lifespan, ensuring continuity in quality and maintainability from delivery and onwards. The vessel is due to be delivered in 2028 and 2029.

For more information visit www.thuntankers.com