Sweden-based shipping company Wallenius Sol has taken delivery of a multi-fuel ConRo vessel, Botnia Enabler, from Chinese shipyard CIMC Raffles.
The first in a two-vessel series, Botnia Enabler is claimed to be the world’s largest ice-rated multi-fuel ConRo vessel.
With a 27,000 deadweight tonnage, the Swedish-flagged ship has a length of 242m and beam of 35.2m.
The highest Finnish-Swedish ice class will enable it to withstand severe winter conditions in the Gulf of Bothnia.
Botnia Enabler can operate on different fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied biogas (LBG) and diesel synthetic oil.
Featuring classic RoRo function, it also provides a large capacity for containers.
Wallenius Sol managing director Ragnar Johansson said: “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.”
Before travelling to Europe and the Gulf of Bothnia, the vessel will load cargo in two Chinese ports.
The ship’s first voyage will be to the European port of Antwerp, Belgium.
Johansson further noted: “This vessel will play an important role for our customers, who need more capacity, and for us and our ability to reduce our environmental and climate impact.”
Botnia Enabler’s sister ship, named Baltic Enabler, is expected to be delivered in summer.
Last October, CIMC Raffles won a contract from Zodiac Maritime to build four dual-fuel pure car truck carriers (PCTCs).
