The world’s most eco-friendly dry cargo vessel, Viikki, built by Nanjing’s Jinling Shipyard, was launched on 11 October 2017.
The vessel is the first of two orders made by Finnish dry cargo shipping company ESL Shipping.
Designed in Finland and with almost 60 percent of systems supplies coming from Europe, the vessel is set to start operating in the Baltic Sea during the first half of 2018.
“Our new vessels are full of innovation, and they are pioneers in eco-friendliness and transportation efficiency,” Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping said.
The vessel is partly funded by the EU as a part of the Bothnia Bulk project, which aims to further comply with environmental regulations by upgrading the existing maritime link between the ports of Luleå, Oxelösund and Raahe.
“We are proud to reduce the carbon footprint of our shipping company with these innovative vessels. These new vessels are a significant step towards even greener shipping,” ESL Shipping board member Aki Ojanen said in reports earlier this year.
With a total investment of €60 million, the 160-metre vessel of 26,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage – total lifting capacity) is powered by liquified natural gas, effectively producing more than 50 percent less carbon dioxide emission. The vessel was named Viikki following a tradition to name all cargo ships after places in Helsinki.
“Together with Jinling Shipyard, we shall make shipping more sustainable and environmentally aware than ever before,” Koskinen was quoted.
The Jinling shipyard, located on Nanjing’s Baoyan Lu, was founded in 1952 and opened internationally in 1996. The shipyard boasts 900 technical engineers and over 300 senior to mid level engineers and claims is has exported 200 vessels to respective buyers from 20 countries worldwide.
The ship is now set to undergo a mooring test and interior decorating before being delivered to Finland early next year after a trial run.
