Swedish company AtoB@C Shipping has announced an order for six highly energy-efficient hybrid electric vessels.
Through a combination of batteries, shore-side electricity connection and an electric hybrid drive, it is claimed that the greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 per cargo unit transported by the new vessels will decrease by approximately 50% compared with conventional ships. This is expected to make the hybrid vessels the most efficient in their class in the world. When entering and leaving ports, the ships will utilize electric power only to further reduce harmful emissions.
To be built by the Chowgule shipyard in India, AtoB@C claims the new 1A ice-class vessels will be market leaders in terms of cargo capacity and technology. The ship design and model tests were carried out in conjunction with Dutch company SMB Naval Architects. Special attention was given to the energy efficiency and arrangements of cargo spaces to ensure they would meet requirements.
“We are very pleased to be able to invest in new, energy-efficient vessels,” commented Mikki Koskinen, chairman of the board at AtoB@C Shipping. “Together with the shipbuilder Chowgule, we will make shipping even more environmentally friendly.”
AtoB@C Shipping’s total investment for the six vessels is approximately €70m (US$81.4m) and the company has the option to expand the order with several other ships. Delivery is expected to start in the third quarter of 2023.
“With this order we are able to offer our customers more environmentally friendly transport and respond to the growing demand. This order will also secure us eco-friendly and modern capacity in the coming years,” said Frida Rowland, business unit director at AtoB@C Shipping.