STX Finland's Turku Shipyard yesterday started production of a multipurpose deck cargo vessel ordered by Gaiamare. The vessel, known as 'NB 1379' is an environmentally friendly specialised ship that will be delivered in the first half 2012.
The vessel will have a length of approximately 105 metres and a width of approximately 19 metres, and is designed for transportation of demanding and heavy project cargoes, such as offshore wind farm structures. The ship will also be suitable for transporting energy wood pellets in the Baltic Sea region. The vessel is designed to operate as an oil spill response vessel, with large tanks capable of storing approximately 2,700 cubic metres of recovered oil.
The vessel will be equipped with an energy efficient, low-carbon diesel-electric propulsion system that can use alternative bio-oils as fuel. As an ice-class 1A vessel, which can operate all year round, the 'NB 1379' will feature Double Acting Ship (DASTM) mode, which means it can run ahead and astern in ice.