Bow Serval named and launched in Japan

Bow Serval features 24 stainless steel tanks. Upon delivery on long-term charter in February 2027, she will add further modern tonnage to the medium-sized vessel segment, an integral part of Odfjell’s worldwide trading and global customer service.

Representatives from owners, shipyard, partners and Odfjell gathered at Asakawa Shipbuilding for the traditional naming and launching ceremony on October 28. Serving as the vessel’s lady sponsor, Kari Grøttvedt, wife of Carl Fredrik Odfjell, performed the traditional naming ritual by cutting the rope.

Built on long-standing partnerships

With Bow Serval, this Asakawa-built series reaches ten, marking another chapter in Odfjell’s long relationship with Japanese shipbuilding. No other yard has delivered more chemical tankers to Odfjell’s fleet.

Speaking at the ceremony, Carl Fredrik Odfjell highlighted the craftsmanship and teamwork behind the new vessel:

"Partnerships are not built by companies alone. They are built by people. Today’s ceremony represents the successful completion of countless hours of dedication, craftsmanship, and teamwork."

A new cat in the family

Bow Serval also continues a distinctive naming tradition. The vessels in the Asakawa series carry names inspired by strong and agile members of the cat family, including Jaguar, Panther, Cheetah and Ocelot.

The tradition also has historical roots. Names in the series have previously been used by vessels sailing in the Odfjell fleet from the 1980s into the 2010s, but this is the very first Serval.

"The serval is known for its elegance, agility, and grace. Like its namesake, may Bow Serval navigate the world’s oceans safely and efficiently, always finding smooth seas, welcoming ports, and favorable winds," Carl Fredrik said.