The vessel, branded as the world's most eco-friendly bulker, has been delivered by the Chinese Jinling Shipyard and will arrive in the Baltic in mid-September, carrying a shipment from Japan.
According to the Helsinki-based ESL Shipping, the 160 m-long and 26 m-wide multi-fuel LNG/LBG 25.6k dwt-big Haaga, designed by the Finnish Deltamarin, emits less than 50% of CO2 generated by the company's previous generation ships.
The bulker is equipped with what's said to be the world's first autonomous cargo handling system, designed in cooperation with the manufacturer, MacGregor. There are three 30 m outreach electric-hydraulic cranes, each capable of lifting 37.5t (hook)/30t (12.5 m3 grab).
The ESL Shipping's newbuilding project is part of the EU co-funded Bothnia Bulk project. Its goal is to eco-modernize the sea route between Luleå, Oxelösund, and Raahe. In addition, in-port environmental emissions will decrease as well, thanks to improved availability of onshore power supply.
"This investment of around EUR 60 million is significant for a company of Aspo's size. It's also an excellent example of our responsible ownership, as environmental responsibility involves considering future generations, too. The design and construction of the new vessels were completed as planned. The vessels will considerably increase ESL Shipping's capacity, in addition to improving its profitability," Aki Ojanen, Chairman of ESL Shipping's Board of Directors and CEO of Aspo (ESL's mother company), commented.
Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director, ESL Shipping, added, "Our new vessels have met with an excellent reception among our customers. Every employee of our shipping company should be genuinely proud of what we have achieved during our newbuilding project."
Click here+ the see a factsheet on Haaga.
Photo: ESL Shipping