Reviews & Ratings for the Haaga

ESL Shipping, based in Finland, is grappling with substantial income losses linked to its vessels 'Haaga' and 'Viikki.' These losses stem from severe technical issues affecting the high-power cranes onboard, which are governed by warranty provisions. The mechanical failures have disrupted the vessels' operational efficiency, leading to not only a drop in revenue but also incurring additional costs for the company. Repair timelines indicate that, due to delays in the delivery of necessary spare parts, repairs are not projected to be finished until the end of the first quarter of 2019.

ESL Shipping, a prominent Finnish maritime company under the ASPO Group, has officially reflagged its latest LNG-powered bulk carrier, Haaga, to the Finnish flag. This significant change was executed on March 7, 2019, in Kokkola, Finland. Previously, the vessel, which has a deadweight tonnage of 25,500 dwt, was registered under Portugal’s flag. The decision to switch flags comes in light of earlier criticism from workers' unions regarding the Portuguese registration; however, ESL Shipping has successfully negotiated an agreement to foster better relations with union representatives.

The Baltic Sea welcomes a new era of eco-conscious shipping with the introduction of the bulk carriers Viikki and Haaga. Operated by ESL Shipping, these impressive vessels boast a deadweight tonnage of 25,600 and stretch 160 meters in length. What sets them apart is their innovative use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions to less than half that of their predecessors. Both ships were constructed in China and made their maiden voyage to Japan for the loading of raw materials. Following this, they journeyed to the Baltic Sea via the Northeast Passage, a route that not only shortened their travel time from Japan by three weeks but also led to a remarkable 40 percent reduction in journey emissions compared to the traditional Panama Canal route. This shift highlights a significant advancement in sustainable maritime transportation in the region.