ESL Shipping has started construction of its first 17,000-dwt methanol-powered Green Handy vessel at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, China, according to ESL Shipping.
The Finnish dry bulk operator said steel cutting took place on 1 June, marking the move from planning to production on the newbuilding programme.
The first ship is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2027, while the fourth vessel in the series is due to be handed over in the first half of 2028.
The Green Handy design includes heat pumps in the accommodation, electric cranes, a battery hybrid system and shore power connection. The vessels will also be fitted with bow and stern thrusters for independent manoeuvring in ports.
ESL Shipping said the ships will be capable of operating on green methanol and renewable diesel from delivery, giving the company fuel flexibility as it works to cut emissions across its fleet.
China Merchants Jinling Shipyard previously built ESL Shipping’s LNG-powered vessels Viikki and Haaga, which were delivered in 2018. The Green Handy vessels will have a deadweight of 17,000 tonnes, length of 150 metres, breadth of 23.77 metres, shallow draft of 8.6 metres and ice class 1A.
ESL Shipping Ltd is a Finnish dry bulk shipping company and a subsidiary of Aspo Plc. Its operations focus on sea transport for industrial and energy customers, including cargo movements in demanding winter conditions.
China Merchants Jinling Shipyard is a Chinese shipbuilding yard in Nanjing operating within the China Merchants shipbuilding network
