Meriaura Adds First EcoCoaster
Image Courtesy: MeriauraFinnish shipping company Meriaura has taken delivery of M/S Eeva VG, the first of two VG EcoCoaster general cargo vessels ordered from Dutch shipbuilder Royal Bodewes.
The 5,000-ton vessel arrived for the first time in Finland on October 4, 2016. It was baptized in the port of Rauma on October 5, where it loaded its first cargo, 4,000 tons of oats, for Rotterdam.
Featuring a length of 103 meters and a width of 13.6 meters, the Eeva VG is a dry cargo ship with Ice Class 1A.
VG EcoCoaster is designed to cause less environmental impact than dry cargo vessels of same type and size, according to the company. The hull and machinery are optimized to the speed of 10,5 knots in open water conditions. Additional power required for fulfilling Ice Class 1A requirements is achieved by a diesel electric-driven booster unit.
The vessels are equipped with a dual fuel system, where the main engine is suitable for both biofuel and marine gas oil (MGO).
“Although the vessels are traditional dry cargo bulkers, they represent a new generation because of their environmental friendliness and energy efficiency,” Jussi Mälkiä, Chairman of Meriaura Group, said.
The contract for the two newbuildings was signed in Turku in December 2014 when Meriaura revealed its plans to regenerate its fleet with vessels that have lower fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
The Eeva VG is a supplement to Meriaura’s fleet of 17 vessels. Its sister ship, the Mirva VG, is expected to be completed by the end of November this year.
