Design builds on Meriaura’s existing open deck carrier platform
Meriaura, a shipping company specialising in the sea transportation including complex and demanding special cargo, has signed a shipbuilding contract with Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard, for the construction of a new open deck carrier, with delivery scheduled for early 2028.
The vessel will be a 6,800 dwt open deck carrier, measuring 120 metres in length and 21.6 metres in breadth. It will be built to Ice Class 1A and equipped with DP2 capability, enabling operations in demanding environmental conditions.
The vessel concept is based on Meriaura’s two previously developed open deck carriers and has been designed in cooperation with Deltamarin Finland. Deltamarin will also be responsible for the vessel’s basic design on behalf of the shipyard. The ship will be equipped with three main engines, two of which will be manufactured in Finland. These engines are medium-speed 4-stroke marine engines designed for easy upgrades to operate on future low or zero carbon fuels.
The new vessel will primarily operate in the short sea shipping market, consistent with the rest of our fleet. The ordered vessel is optimized for heavy project and special cargo, with a specific design focus on demanding RO-RO operations. With features like dynamic positioning, a large deck area and excellent technical and operational performance, the vessel is well-suited for various project requirements all year round. It also provides access to challenging locations with shallow drafts, poor infrastructure, or limited space.
The vessel is optimized to support the green transition through advanced multi-fuel engines. Meriaura’s own biofuel will be part of the future fuel mix, enabling immediate fuel-related emission reductions. Additionally, the vessel features battery readiness via a plug-and-play setup. Its optimized hull design and efficient engine technology contribute to significantly improved fuel efficiency.
“Meriaura’s open deck carriers are market leaders in several heavy cargo segments in Northern Europe, but there is still significant untapped potential in regional short sea shipping activities. The newbuilding both complements the existing fleet and increases the business opportunities in present core segments due to improved capacity and capabilities”, says Meriaura’s Business Development Director Jessica Saari.
”This order is a remarkable milestone in our ongoing fleet renewal program and marks our commitment to both our segments. An ice‑classed, Finland‑flagged open deck carrier is also a valuable asset for ensuring Finland’s security of supply. With a slightly bigger vessel size, as with the Eco Traders currently being built, we want to respond to customers’ needs even better, with greater flexibility and across a wider area”, says Beppe Rosin, CEO of Meriaura.
