EMEA News
EU Funding Approved for NextGen Link Project
Finland's Port of Turku Ltd. (Port of Turku) Tuesday announced that the NextGen Link project - an initiative that includes the development of a new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered RoPax vessel and associated port infrastructure - has received financial support from the European Union's (EU's) CEF Transport programme.
The project, which is coordinated by the Port of Turku and includes participation from Viking Line, Mariehamns Hamn, and Stockholms Hamn AB (Stockholms Hamn), is intended to upgrade the existing maritime link between the Baltic Sea from Finland to Sweden, developing green shipping and port interconnections in the process.
"The development of port infrastructure includes investments in the ports in order to accommodate the new larger vessel and to handle efficiently the increased cargo and passenger capacity," explained the port.
"The Port of Turku is investing in the development of the logistics and services in the port area, including a new parking hall and control equipment of trucks. Improving vessel traffic services is also under study."
In November, Ship & Bunker reported that Viking Line had signed a letter of intent (LOI) with China's Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd for the order of a LNG-powered RoPax ferry, planned for delivery in the spring of 2020.
