AtoB@C Shipping’s plug-in hybrid vessel launched at Indian shipyard

The Electramar, AtoB@C Shipping’s first vessel in a series of 12 new-build plug-in hybrids, has been successfully launched at the Chowgule Shipyard in India, with outfitting of the vessel to take place at the shipyard’s outfitting quay.

The plug-in hybrid is a 5,350DWT ice-classed general cargo vessel with a single Yanmar 1,920kW main engine and one 300kW bow thruster. Shore power technology will also be installed. Compared to AtoB@C Shipping’s current generation of vessels, the Electramar’s CO₂ emissions will be almost 50% less.

Chowgule Shipyard anticipates that the Electramar will be delivered in autumn 2023, with another vessel to follow every three months.

“Launching of a vessel is always a special moment in shipbuilding, and we are excited to see the vessel in its real element for the first time,” said Mikki Koskinen, managing director of ESL Shipping and chairman of the board of AtoB@C Shipping.

At present, the Chowgule Shipyard has five vessels under construction. A steel cutting ceremony was held in March 2023 for the Maximar – the fifth vessel in the series – and a keel laying for the Aquamar – the fourth vessel – in April 2023. The last of the 12 vessels is estimated to be delivered in Q2 of 2026.