ESL launches new 17,000-dwt MPP series
“A new chapter in fleet development”: ESL has begun building its first “Green Handy” vessel in China with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony.
The Finnish Aspo Group subsidiary has ordered four 17,000 dwt ships from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. Each will measure 150 m in length and 23.7 m in width, with an 8.6 m draught, ice class 1A, two deck cranes, and methanol-ready propulsion.
ESL said the milestone marks the shift from planning to production of a new generation of low-emission vessels. Features include energy-saving design, battery hybrid systems, shore power, electric cranes, and onboard heat pumps. Deliveries are set from Q3 2027 to H1 2028.
Optimized for Baltic, transatlantic, and Great Lakes routes, the vessels feature a forward bridge and tween decks for flexible cargo, including project loads.
ESL and AtoB@C operate about 40 ships (4,000–25,000 dwt). CEO Mikki Koskinen said the newbuilds underline the company’s commitment to low-emission logistics and continued partnership with Jinling.
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