Royal Bodewes christened and launched Meriaura’s biofuel-capable dry cargo vessel Saga VG at its shipyard in the Netherlands on Thursday, November 12.
The 105-metre vessel, hull number 833, has a deadweight tonnage of 6,735 and is rated ice class 1A. Meriaura expects her to join its fleet in early 2027 alongside sister vessel Sofia VG, which began operations in May.
The vessel design provides 8,778 cubic metres of cargo capacity in two holds equipped with bulkheads. Meriaura says the pair are approximately 30 per cent larger than its dry cargo vessels Eeva VG and Mirva VG.
Meriaura operates principally in the Baltic Sea and North Sea. Finnish port assistance restrictions specify minimum ice class and deadweight requirements for eligibility for icebreaker assistance.
Both vessels can run on biofuel or diesel. Their fuel systems are designed for various biofuels and permit fuel to be mixed during operation, with diesel and biofuel held in three separate tanks, Meriaura said.
Meriaura ordered the two vessels from Royal Bodewes in April 2024 as part of a fleet-renewal programme replacing older units.
