Meriaura’s first Ecotrader newbuild was launched and christened at the Royal Bodewes shipyard, the Netherlands, on November 14.
Sofia VG was christened by the vessel’s godmother, Meriaura’s chief financial officer, Miia Sofia Peltonen. The ship will begin trading in early 2026.
Sofia VG is the first of two Ecotrader ships ordered by Meriaura. The ships measure 105 m long, are ice class 1A- certified and have a deadweight of 6,735 tonnes. Like the EcoCoaster vessels Eeva VG and Mirva VG delivered in 2016, the Ecotraders can be operated with biofuel.
Meriaura said that emission reductions are achieved not only through the use of renewable fuel but also through hull optimisation and advanced engine technology provided by Wärtsilä.
