The “Astramar” – a new plug-in hybrid vessel from ESL Shipping – was christened at the Finnish port of Raahe. The christening was performed by Merja Kyllönen, Member of the European Parliament. At the same time, the new deep-water berth 3 was officially inaugurated.
The “Astramar” is one of twelve vessels in ESL Shipping’s Green Coaster series. The series of plug-in hybrid vessels, each with a deadweight tonnage of 5,400 dwt, was completed in early September with the delivery of the “Luxomar”. According to the information provided, the new vessels are a key component of ESL Shipping’s fleet renewal programme. They were specially developed for the transport of demanding industrial goods under Northern European conditions.
Designed for Northern European industry
On its maiden voyage, the “Astramar” transported components for wind turbines. This demonstrated the Green Coaster’s suitability for a variety of project cargoes. The transport operation is a concrete example of how the vessels can serve both established industrial cargo flows and projects in the renewable energy sector.
“The Green Coaster series combines higher energy efficiency with flexible cargo handling and reliable operation under demanding conditions in the north. It strengthens our ability to serve northern European industry whilst responding to the growing transport needs of renewable energy projects,” says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping.
The Green Coasters have been designed for a wide range of industrial goods. They are suitable for transporting rotor blades and other components for wind turbines, as well as for demanding project cargoes. The positioning of the bridge in the fore section provides a large, unobstructed deck area. The 60-metre-long, fully unobstructed cargo hold and the adjustable intermediate decks offer flexibility for cargoes of varying sizes, including oversized goods.
