January 28, 2026 – Deltamarin has signed a basic design contract with Jiangsu Zhenjiang shipyard (Group) CO., LTD for Meriaura’s new open deck carrier.

Design work will start immediately at Deltamarin Finland, with delivery scheduled for early 2028. The ordered 6,800 DWT open deck carrier is 120 meters long and features 1A ice class and DP2 notation.

Deltamarin developed the vessel concept together with Meriaura during 2025, based on Meriaura’s two preceding open deck carriers. The contract signed with the builder, Jiangsu Zhenjiang shipyard, is a direct continuation of the concept design work and includes a complete engineering package for approval design.

The new vessel will primarily operate in the short sea shipping market, consistent with the rest of Meriaura’s fleet. The vessel is optimized for heavy project and special cargo, with a specific design focus on demanding Ro-Ro operations. With features like dynamic positioning, a large deck area and excellent technical and operational performance, the vessel is well-suited for various project requirements all year round. It also provides access to challenging locations with shallow drafts, poor infrastructure, or limited space.

The vessel is optimized to support the green transition through advanced multi-fuel engines. Meriaura’s own biofuel will be part of the future fuel mix, enabling immediate fuel-related emission reductions. Additionally, the vessel features battery readiness via a plug-and-play setup. Its optimized hull design and efficient engine technology contribute to significantly improved fuel efficiency.

“We are pleased to continue our involvement in this project, which supports Meriaura’s fleet renewal program and introduces a new shipyard client for Deltamarin. The vessel’s decarbonization solutions are fully aligned with our strategic commitment to sustainability,” concludes Janne Uotila, CEO of Deltamarin.

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About Deltamarin
Deltamarin Group provides ship design, offshore engineering, and construction support for the marine and offshore industries worldwide. The services include the full range of consulting, design, and engineering as well as procurement, support for construction and installation. The Group employs around 400 experts in its own and associated companies located in Europe and Asia. Deltamarin is part of China Merchants Group. deltamarin.com

About Meriaura
Meriaura Oy, founded in 1986, is a Finnish shipping company that is a major sea transporter of dry cargo and demanding special cargo in Northern Europe, especially in the Baltic Sea and North Sea regions. The company currently operates a fleet of fourteen ice-classed dry cargo vessels and two multipurpose open deck carriers. The company’s core values are customer orientation and promoting environmentally friendly shipping. Through long-term testing and regular use in its own fleet, Meriaura has verified the usability of 100% biofuel made from recycled raw material in coaster traffic. meriaura.fi

About Jiangsu Zhenjiang shipyard
Jiangsu Zhenjiang shipyard (Group) CO., LTD, founded in 1951, is the oldest shipyard and the first hi-tech shipbuilding enterprise in Jiangsu Province, The yard focus on the development of the special engineering ships and strong vitality and with multifunctional ASD tugs, and multi-purpose ocean engineering vessel production etc.