ESL Shipping Sells Kallio to Boost Green Transition
ESL Shipping, a subsidiary of the Finnish conglomerate Aspo, has finalized the sale of its handysize bulker, Kallio, to the Qrill Company for approximately €18 million ($20.85 million). This strategic divestment, aimed at accelerating ESL Shipping’s green transition, is expected to generate a sales gain of around €10 million ($11.6 million) for Aspo. Following the sale, the company plans to reassign the vessel’s crew to its other ships whenever feasible.
Strengthening the Fleet for a Sustainable Future
The decision to sell the Kallio, a vessel built in 2006, aligns with ESL Shipping’s commitment to investing in environmentally friendly shipping solutions. Rolf Jansson, CEO of Aspo, emphasized that the sale will enhance the company’s balance sheet and support its strategy to transition towards greener operations. The company is focusing on acquiring new handy vessels that can operate without fossil fuels and possess an ice class of 1A, suitable for navigating icy waters.
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Mikki Koskinen, managing director of ESL Shipping, noted that the first of these new generation green handy vessels is expected to join the fleet within the next two years. In the interim, ESL Shipping is considering options for chartering or acquiring additional vessels to meet operational needs. This proactive approach demonstrates the company’s dedication to sustainability while ensuring that it remains competitive in the maritime industry.
