Finland-based marine engineering company Deltamarin has secured a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) to design and engineer the 14th and 15th vessels in Stena RoRo’s E-Flexer series.
These vessels will feature multi-fuel capabilities and be methanol-ready, highlighting the industry’s shift towards greener technology.
Set to join the fleet in 2027, the two new vessels were booked by Stena RoRo earlier this summer. They will be constructed at the CMI Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) in China and chartered by Attica Group to serve Adriatic routes.
Multi-Fuel Design for Future-Ready Operation
The new vessels will be equipped with multi-fuel engines, allowing them to run on a variety of fuels. These include conventional marine fuels such as HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil) and MGO (Marine Gas Oil), as well as biodiesel. Importantly, they are also designed with methanol readiness, preparing them for a transition to greener energy sources in the future.
According to Deltamarin, these vessels will incorporate a PTI/PTO configuration (Power Take-In/Power Take-Off), along with a ‘battery power’ designation, enabling future integration of battery propulsion systems. This cutting-edge technology is expected to significantly boost fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% per transport work compared to existing vessels.
Strengthening Longstanding Partnerships
The collaboration between Deltamarin, Stena RoRo, and the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard demonstrates a continued commitment to innovation in the maritime sector.
Jane Uotila, Managing Director of Deltamarin, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“This new contract reflects the strong ongoing partnership between Deltamarin, Stena RoRo, and China Merchants Jinling shipyard. The continued interest in the E-Flexer vessels, as evidenced by the high number of orders, highlights their value and positions them as the leading solution in their class.”
Uotila further added that Deltamarin looks forward to advancing these projects together, strengthening their collaboration for future endeavors.
A Bespoke Solution for Attica Group
Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo AB, spoke about the partnership with Attica Group and Deltamarin, noting that this marks the development of the most customized E-Flexer concept to date. He described it as a highly efficient, cost-effective, and future-proof solution for roll-on/roll-off vessels.
Westling highlighted the vessel’s versatile propulsion options:
“With the capability of using both conventional fuel, biodiesel, bio- and e-methanol, as well as batteries for propulsion, the shipowner has a vessel that can be operated with zero CO2 emissions in the future.”
This project builds on the longstanding cooperation between Deltamarin, CMI Jinling (Weihai) Shipyard, and Stena RoRo, which has consistently delivered innovative and sustainable maritime solutions.
The Path to Sustainable Shipping
This project is part of a broader trend in the maritime industry towards greener, more sustainable vessels. By offering flexibility in fuel options, including the ability to transition to methanol and battery propulsion, these ships are poised to meet future environmental regulations while offering significant cost and operational efficiencies.
Deltamarin’s Ongoing Innovation in Ship Design
In addition to its work with Stena RoRo, Deltamarin continues to be a key player in the design of sustainable vessels. Earlier this year, in January, the company struck a deal with Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) and Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group (WSIG) to design three roll-on/roll-off vessels for Airbus aircraft subassembly transportation. These vessels are expected to start operating in 2026.
This initiative aims to cut CO2 emissions by 50% compared to 2023 levels by 2030, further underscoring Deltamarin’s role in the decarbonization of the shipping industry.
The collaboration between Deltamarin, Stena RoRo, and Attica Group in developing the 14th and 15th E-Flexer vessels marks another significant step towards more sustainable, future-proof maritime solutions. With multi-fuel capabilities, methanol readiness, and the potential for battery propulsion, these vessels are set to play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency on Adriatic routes.
