Meriaura targets carbon-neutral transport
The new vessel concept aims to achieve 100% greenhouse gas neutrality (Source: Mariaura)
Finnish shipping group Meriaura has started the preparation and design of a container feeder ship which will be part of a transport concept that targets 100% carbon neutrality.
The concept is based on hybrid propulsion that enables the ship to combine sustainably produced bio-oil and battery technology. In addition to new energy solutions, the aim is to automate the cargo handling process, and to take full advantage of the opportunities brought by digitalisation in all functions.
“Meriaura Group’s goal is to launch in 2024 the first transportation concept based on renewable energy since the era of large sailing ships,” said Jussi Mälkiä, President of Meriaura Group.
The concept takes into account the entire transport chain. Design details and commercial operating model are under development. The concept is designed especially for lake, canal and sea feeder traffic, and the plan is to introduce it on sailings on Finland’s lake Saimaa. Saimaa canal locks are being extended and the size of the new concept vessel corresponds to the new Saimax dimensions.
