Breakbulk Online reported that STX Finland and Finnish Gaiamare have signed a contract to build a multipurpose deck cargo vessel in the STX Turku shipyard. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered during spring 2012.

According to a Meriaura statement, the ice class vessel will transport project cargo such as offshore wind components and logs in the Baltic Sea. It has be 344 feet long and 62 feet wide and operate under the Finnish flag.

The vessel will also operate as an oil spill response vessel. With two electric rudder propellers and two bow thrusters, the ship can operate sideways in open water for more efficient oil recovering.

Mr Jari Anttila director of STX Turku Shipyard said that final designs are underway and construction will begin in late summer of this year.

(Sourced from www.breakbulk.com)