Scandinavian shipping companies Wallenius and Swedish Orient Line (SOL) have launched a WALLENIUS SOL, a new carrier designed to strengthen the infrastructure of the regional and North European maritime industry.
According to a statement, the new carrier will cover a network in the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea and the North Sea and will operate from five ports with regular calls to the rest of Europe and the UK.
The fleet will consist of five specially designed ice class 1A vessels that will provide year-round service. Four further vessels have been ordered and are due to be delivered in 2021.
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Furthermore, the entire fleet will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will have a host of other features that will make them the most environmentally efficient vessels in the region.
Ragnar Johansson, Managing Director, WALLENIUS SOL, said: “Together we can offer a strong mix of experience and competence, which can support a growing forest industry.
Planned route of WALLENIUS SOL
“Wallenius has experience from industrial shipping, ship owning, shipbuilding and ship management.
“SOL brings the competence of logistics from the forest industry and other types of cargo in this geographical area.”
Leading European renewable solutions firm Stora Enso is one of the first customers to sign a long term contract with WALLENIUS SOL.
Knut Hansen, its Senior Vice President Logistics Global, also commented: “We rely on efficient and sustainable transports for our products.
“The partnership with WALLENIUS SOL will enhance our opportunities to compete globally, while at the same time the new vessels will reduce environmental impact.”
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