Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply the ship design for a series of new generation container feeders. The Cardiff-based Graig Group has ordered up to 26 MARLIN 2000 Blue design container feeders to be built at the major Jin Hai shipyard complex in China. The first two vessels are scheduled for delivery in August and September 2013, with subsequent vessels to be delivered in pairs every two-and-a-half months.
Wärtsilä Ship Design has developed the MARLIN series in close cooperation with Graig and the DNV classification society. The design offers cutting-edge features for container vessels. The MARLIN series was designed to deliver approximately 30 percent improved fuel efficiency per TEU carried, improved capacity and slow steaming potential, better loading flexibility for different container types, including a high reefer intake, and lower emissions when compared to vessels currently in service.
The MARLIN 2000 Blue design is intentionally targeted to the current needs of the high growth intra-Asia trade routes. However, Wärtsilä also plans to offer two other models: the larger, diesel-powered MARLIN 2500 Jade; and the MARLIN 2500 Green, aimed at the market for feeder vessels in Emission Control Areas.