Sofia VG has left the Royal Bodewes shipbuilders and will soon be en route to Rauma after taking her very first cargo in Antwerp.

The 6,735-deadweight, 105-metre-long Ecotrader is the first in a series of two.

"We are proud to welcome this newbuild into our fleet and grateful for the strong cooperation with Royal Bodewes and all partners involved. Sofia VG is an important milestone for Meriaura and a concrete step forward in offering more efficient and lower-emission sea transport to our customers. With her increased capacity, 1A Ice Class, and readiness to operate on biofuels, Sofia VG strengthens our ability to serve our customers' needs while supporting our long-term sustainability targets," commented Beppe Rosin, Meriaura's Managing Director.

The company's Technical Manager, Jyrki Hentula, added, "The vessel has met the agreed performance targets during trials, and all critical systems - from propulsion and automation to safety and cargo handling, and the biofuel-compliant fuel system - have been tested and documented for handover. Our close cooperation with the shipyard continues, as Sofia VG's sister vessel's construction proceeds."