Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a state-run entity in India, has successfully delivered the MS Maria, becoming the second vessel of the eight-ship HS EcoFreighter series commissioned by the German shipping firm HS Schiffahrts UG & Co KG. The formal handover took place in Kochi, where S Harikrishnan, CSL’s Director of Operations, and Heinz Josef Schepers, Director of HS Schiffahrts, signed the Delivery and Acceptance Protocol.
The MS Maria is a 7000 DWT vessel designed by the Netherlands-based Groot Ship Design and built in compliance with DNV classification standards. Its unique design features include a raked stem and the innovative ‘Groot Crossbow’ bow design along with a transom stern, which contribute to its hydrodynamic profile. This design minimizes wave resistance, enhances speed and performance, and reduces fuel consumption.
The vessel is engineered for versatility, capable of navigating ice-prone waters and carrying various types of cargo, including project cargo, heavy machinery, steel coils, dry bulk, timber, paper, grain, coal, and hazardous materials. Its adaptable cargo hold, equipped with six movable panels and grain bulkheads, allows for customization to accommodate different cargo needs.
The delivery of the MS Maria underscores Cochin Shipyard’s growing presence in the international market and its enhanced capability to construct environmentally friendly vessels. Operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, CSL is currently engaged in the construction of the remaining six EcoFreighter vessels in this innovative series.
