The two ice-class 1A, 25,600 dwt, 160 m long, and 26 m wide newbuildings will enter commercial traffic between the Baltic and North Seas in 2018's first half (the first ship was already christened in June 2017 as Viikki). The bulkers are being constructed at the Chinese Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

"This is a large step towards even greener shipping. Our combination of latest hull design and numerous other energy saving measures together with usage of LNG as fuel will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions per tonne of cargo transported by more than 50% in comparison to present generation of vessels. This agreement also helps us to lower our operational costs," Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director, ESL Shipping, commented.

Kimmo Rahkamo, CEO, Skangas, added, "This agreement is a milestone for Skangas. Viikki will be the first vessel that we will serve from the new LNG terminal in Tornio. There will be more to come. The use of LNG in marine transport can deliver significant environment, economic, and social benefits."