Image: Finnlines

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Finnlines has announced that it has signed an order for three bunker-saving ro-ro vessels that are to be fitted with emission abatement equipment.

The 238-metre-long ships are to be built at the Jinling shipyard in China, with delivery slated from 2020-2021. The total investment is expected to be more than EUR 200 million.

The design of the ships was carried out in cooperation with Nordic marine designer Knud E. Hansen.

According to Finnlines, the ships "will be among the most modern and environmentally friendly vessels in the Baltic". They are to be equipped with latest-generation engines that lower bunker consumption and CO2 emissions, and fitted with scrubbers to abate sulphur emissions and other particulate matter.

The ships will be hybrid ro-ro vessels that use fossil fuel whilst sailing and electricity while in port - hence guaranteeing zero emissions whilst in port.

They will be fitted with a lithium-ion battery bank that can be recharged during sailing and provide the electricity to the ship while at berth.

An air lubrication system under the keel will be used to create bubble layers that reduce friction and hydrodynamic resistance and consequently reduce fuel consumption and emissions as well.

Additionally, Finnlines says the energy efficiency of the ships will be optimised with the hull lines and propellers - including an advanced integrated propeller-rudder system.

Emanuele Grimaldi, CEO of Finnlines, remarked: "These green ro-ro vessels will be built taking all technological and environmental factors into account and thus will increase our energy efficiency further.

"These vessels will offer us the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions and again, is in line with our investments in sustainable development.

"We are proud that these exceptional technologies on board will make the vessels the most innovative and efficient vessels in the world."