Finland's Meriaura Group is preparing its first 100% carbon-neutral transport concept.
The plan is to use biofuel and batteries on a new ship type, while automating cargo handling and increasing digitalisation.
The company, which owns coastal cargoships, said a 2024 target date has been set for what it calls the first transport project based on renewable energy since the era of large sailing ships.
Meriaura added that it is taking into account the whole transport chain.
Exact details and the commercial operating model are under development, the company said.
The project is focusing on lake, canal and sea feeder traffic.
Meriaura plans to run a pilot scheme in Lake Saimaa, where canal locks are being extended. The shipowner will design the new ship around these new "saimax" dimensions.
"Lake Saimaa is a perfect pilot area for our concept," said Meriaura president Jussi Malkia.
"The region’s strong and progressive industry needs a clear transport route, which will be made possible by the extension of the canal locks."
Lessons learned
Malkia stressed the importance of a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport chain to win future business.
The new vessel will incorporate lessons learned from the owner's previous experiments with biofuel.
"The aim is to achieve full 100% greenhouse gas neutrality as close as possible by utilising electricity propulsion based on renewable energy and batteries," the company added.
Earlier in March, Meriaura expanded its fleet in deals with Germany's Briese Schiffahrts as the European coastal cargoship market picked up.
The company's VG-Shipping unit acquired the 3,000-dwt open-hatch general cargoship Rochefort (built 2011). Meriaura also chartered in the 4,500-dwt Nordersand (built 2004) until at least the summer of 2022.
