Steel cutting marks start of construction of first Green Handy
(Posted on 07/06/26)
The construction of the first methanol-powered Green Handy vessel has commenced at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, China, with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony.
The milestone represents the transition from planning to production in ESL Shipping’s investment in a new generation of vessels designed for fossil-free fuels and improved operational performance. The Green Handy vessels will play a key role in renewing ESL Shipping’s fleet and supporting the green transition in industrial logistics.
ESL Shipping is the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region.
The vessel design incorporates several features aiming at minimising the energy consumption and emissions, including heat pumps in the accommodation, electric cranes, a battery hybrid system and a shore power connection. Equipped with bow and stern thrusters, vessels are designed for independent manoeuvring in ports.
China Merchants Jinling Shipyard is a familiar partner for ESL Shipping, having successfully built the LNG-powered vessels Viikki and Haaga, which were delivered in 2018.
“These vessels represent a new chapter in our fleet development and our commitment to supporting industrial customers with low-emission sea transport solutions. We are pleased to continue this partnership with Jinling Shipyard as we bring this new vessel concept into operation,” says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping.
The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2027, with the fourth scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2028. Green Handy vessels will be fully capable of operating on green methanol and renewable diesel from day one, offering flexibility for future fuel developments while supporting ESL Shipping’s long-term ambition to reduce emissions across its operations.
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