ESL Shipping, a subsidiary of Aspo, has awarded a €60m ($78.2m) contract to Korean Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for two ice-class dry bulk cargo vessels.

The Finnish bulk cargo carrier said the vessels are larger than its existing 56,150dwt Supramax-class vessels.

The self-unloading vessels will feature ballast water treatment equipment, which enables the vessel to respond to environmental issues.

The ice-class 1A vessels are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2012, the company said.

ESL said it is planning to increase its capacity by over 50%.