Chinese shipyard CIMC Raffles delivered the first of two newbuilds to Wallenius SOL. Ro-ro vessel Botnia Enabler is now sailing under the Swedish flag.
The ship has a length of 242 m, a beam of 35.2 m and the highest Finnish-Swedish ice-class to cope with the harsh winter conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia. In addition to its classic ro-ro capabilities, Botnia Enabler also has a large capacity for containers.
The ship will be loading cargo in two Chinese ports before heading to Europe. The ship will make its first European call in Antwerp at the end of June. Botnia Enabler’s regular service will be: Zeebrugge-Antwerp-Kokkola-Skellefteå-Oulu-Kemi-Travemünde.
The newbuild is significantly more energy efficient per transported unit than older vessels. Wallenius SOL said the ships would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent, but also NOx (96 percent), SOx (99 percent) and particulates (99 percent).
Sistership Baltic Enabler is scheduled for delivery later this summer.
Wallenius Marine, in collaboration with Knud E Hansen, has led the ship design and newbuilding project of both ships. Wallenius Marine will also provide ship management and technical management on the new vessels.
“We’re incredibly pleased and proud to welcome Botnia Enabler to our fleet. The delays we suffered along the way are no secret, so finally seeing her leave port on her maiden voyage is a fantastic feeling. She’s been eagerly awaited by us and our customers,” says Ragnar Johansson, managing director, Wallenius SOL.
