By
Alex Smith |
Ferry operator Wasaline has officially named its new vessel Aurora Botnia at a christening ceremony in Vasaa, Finland.
The ship was built by Rauma Marine Constructions over two years and represents an investment of €120 million ($141 million). She will operate daily sailings on the route between Vasaa and Umeå, Sweden.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in this project, especially our staff, who have made this possible,” said Peter Ståhlberg, CEO of Wasaline. “We are now seeing the result of years of work and witnessing a historic day together; a ship designed for Kvarken will now start operating.”
Aurora Botnia is the first ro-pax ferry in the world to meet the criteria for DNV’s Clean Design class notation, which certifies that a ship complies with the regulations of the MARPOL convention along with additional construction and design requirements such as stricter oily tank protection and installation of an approved ballast water treatment system. The ship can connect to shore power where available, while her machines operate primarily on LNG fuel. She is also able to operate on biogas fuel if this becomes viable in the future.
“We’ve had a wonderful opportunity to build such a magnificent vessel, which is totally unique even from a global perspective,” said Jyrki Heinimaa, CEO and president of Rauma Marine Constructions. “The ships we build today must also be able to operate in decades’ time without massive modifications or, at worst, scrapping. Aurora Botnia’s ability to utilise biogas is one way to meet this challenge.”
Aurora Botnia will sail her maiden voyage from Vasaa on 28 August.