Finland-based marine engineering company Deltamarin has signed a contract with Chinese state-owned enterprise China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) to design and engineer the 14th and 15th vessels in Swedish shipping company Stena RoRo’s E-Flexer series, both of which will feature multi-fuel capabilities and methanol readiness.
Set to join the fleet in 2027, the two new vessels that Stena RoRo booked earlier this summer will be built at the CMI Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) in China and chartered by Attica Group for Adriatic routes.
Designed with multi-fuel engines, the vessels can reportedly run on conventional marine fuels (whether it is HFO or MGO), as well as biodiesel, and are prepared for methanol use. According to a statement by Deltamarin, they also include a PTI/PTO configuration and have a ‘battery power’ designation, which supports the potential integration of battery propulsion down the line.
As a result, this technological convergence is expected to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% per transport work compared to current vessels.
“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,” said Jane Uotila , Managing Director of Deltamarin.
“We value our longstanding partnership with Stena and CMI and look forward to advancing these projects together.”
Per Westling , CEO of Stena RoRo AB, said that with Attica and Deltamarin, Stena RoRo was able to develop ‘the most bespoke E-Flexer concept so far’ , calling it a ‘highly efficient, cost-effective and future proof’ solution for RoRo vessels.
“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. The longstanding and good cooperation between Deltamarin, CMI Jinling (Weihai) Shipyard, and Stena RoRo has again proven most successful.”
To remind, in January this year, Deltamarin struck a deal with Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) and Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group (WSIG) to design three roll-on/roll-off vessels—expected to begin operation in 2026—for Airbus aircraft subassembly transportation. The new fleet is expected to cut CO2 emissions by 50% compared to 2023 levels by the year 2030.