Delivery of 12th 5,400 DWT Plug-in Hybrid Vessel Marks Major Fleet Renewal Milestone and Highlights India-Europe Shipbuilding Partnership
HELSINKI: ESL Shipping has completed one of the most significant fleet renewal programmes in its history with the delivery of Luxomar, the twelfth and final vessel in its series of 5,400 DWT plug-in hybrid Green Coasters.
The vessel was handed over on September 8 and is scheduled to commence its maiden voyage from India to Europe, marking the successful conclusion of a major newbuilding programme undertaken in partnership with India’s Chowgule and Company – Shipbuilding Division.
Built at Chowgule and Company’s shipyard in Goa, the Green Coaster series represents a new generation of energy-efficient general cargo vessels designed for demanding operations in Northern European waters. The vessels combine battery hybrid technology, shore power connectivity and optimised vessel design to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and enable quiet, emission-free port calls.
The 5,400 DWT vessels are equipped with Ice Class 1A, enabling reliable year-round operations in the Northern Baltic Sea. Their hybrid propulsion systems include a 1 MWh battery pack, which can support peak shaving, propulsion and emission-free operation while in port. ESL Shipping says the vessels can reduce CO₂ emissions per cargo unit by nearly 50% compared with the previous generation, while optimised cargo-space arrangements provide around 20% more capacity.
Luxomar itself measures approximately 89.95 metres in length, with a breadth of 15.95 metres and a cargo capacity of 5,400 tonnes. The vessel is classified by Lloyd’s Register and features shore-power readiness, electric-hybrid propulsion and systems designed for efficient, low-emission cargo operations.
The completion of the series represents an important achievement for Chowgule and Company, which has built all twelve vessels under the programme at its Loutulim shipyard in Goa. The project has demonstrated the capability of an Indian shipyard to deliver a large series of specialised, environmentally advanced vessels for an international shipping customer. The first vessel in the series was launched in December 2023, with all 12 vessels launched within approximately 33 months.
The programme also brought together naval architects, technology providers, classification specialists and numerous equipment and project partners. SMB – Naval Architects & Consultants and other technology and design partners contributed to the development of the next-generation vessels, while coordinated efforts between the shipowner, shipyard and supply chain supported the successful execution of the programme.
Welcoming the delivery, Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping, described the completion as a strategic investment that strengthens the company’s competitiveness and supports future growth. Frida Rowland, SVP, Business Unit Coasters, ESL Shipping, said the twelve modern hybrid vessels have performed strongly in daily operations and met the company’s expectations.
Arjun Chowgule, Managing Director of Chowgule and Company, said the completion of the final Green Coaster marked an exceptional project and highlighted the partnership with ESL Shipping in delivering twelve vessels designed for the demanding conditions of Northern Europe.
The Green Coaster programme forms part of ESL Shipping’s broader strategy to modernise its fleet and strengthen its low-emission marine logistics capabilities. Together with the company’s ongoing Green Handy investment programme, the new vessels are expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions and support long-term growth across ESL Shipping’s core Northern European markets.
Key Highlights
12th and final Green Coaster, Luxomar, delivered on September 8, 2026.
5,400 DWT plug-in hybrid general cargo vessel.
Built by Chowgule and Company in Goa, India.
Equipped with battery hybrid technology and shore-power connectivity.
Ice Class 1A certification enables year-round Baltic operations.
Green Coaster design targets nearly 50% lower CO₂ emissions per cargo unit compared with the previous generation.
The vessels enable quiet and emission-free port calls when operating on battery/shore power.
Luxomar will begin its maiden voyage from India to Europe.
Completion of the series marks a major milestone in ESL Shipping’s fleet renewal and sustainable maritime logistics strategy.
