AtoB@C Shipping’s new hybrid vessel christened in Helsinki (Gallery)

May 16, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

AtoB@C Shipping, a Swedish subsidiary of Finland-based shipping company ESL Shipping, has christened its first plug-in hybrid vessel Electramar in Helsinki.

As informed, the naming ceremony was held on May 15, 2024. Electramar is the first vessel in the series of twelve highly energy-efficient plug-in hybrid vessels. The 5,400 general cargo ship arrived in Luleå, Sweden, in mid-April.

According to AtoB@C, the ship produces up to 50% fewer CO2 emissions compared to the present generation of vessels, thanks to its shore power connectivity, large battery installation, and improved cargo intake.

It also offers a quieter and cleaner operation while in port. The unit is designed to carry a wide range of bulk and breakbulk products, such as steel, forest products, fertilizers, and project cargoes.

The vessel has a long unobstructed deck, which allows loading more deck cargo and longer project cargoes than the current vessels in the fleet.

The vessel’s godmother is Paula Ojala, Chartering Manager at the global steel company SSAB, a long-term client of both AtoB@C Shipping and ESL Shipping.

“Both steel industry and shipping are entering a new era, where fossil free fuels are gradually being replaced with more sustainable alternatives. SSAB is one of the forerunners in green steel and we are delighted to have their representative as a godmother for the vessel,” commented Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping and Chairman of the Board, AtoB@C Shipping AB.

AtoB@C Shipping

Stellamar, the second vessel in the series is currently underway from India to Europe via Cape of Good Hope. The production of the ninth unit, Fleximar, commenced in April with the steel-cutting ceremony.

AtoB@C Shipping has ordered twelve plug-in hybrid vessels from Chowgule & Company. The first vessel in the series, Electramar, was delivered in December 2023.