AtoB@C Shipping’s third newbuild 5,350 dwt plug-in hybrid vessel, Ecomar, has been launched at the Chowgule Shipyard, India.
Outfitting, including final painting, will continue at the outfitting quay, setting the stage for the final block assembly of AtoB@C Shipping’s fourth vessel, Aquamar.
Ecomar is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2024 and is part of a 12-vessel order, concluding in Q2 2026.
AtoB@C Shipping has already received the first vessel in the series, Electramar. The initial order of six ice-classed electric-hybrid vessels was placed in September 2021, with the first steel-cutting ceremony taking place in the first half of 2022.
In June 2022, the shipping company ordered an additional vessel in the newbuilding programme, bringing the total up to seven. During August 2022, AtoB@C exercised an option to expand this with a further five vessels from the shipyard.
The vessels are optimised for a wide variety of bulk and breakbulk products. Thanks to the crew accommodation and the bridge at the bow, the vessels have a long unobstructed deck, which enables loading more deck cargo and longer project cargoes than present vessels in the company’s fleet.
“Demand for this vessel type from both existing and new clients has been high and we are eagerly waiting for the next vessels to enter service,” said commercial director Frida Rowland.
