Peace Boat Inks LOI for "World's Greenest Cruise Ship"

Peace Boat has signed a LOI with Arctech for the construction of Ecoship.
Image: Peace Boat

Japan-based Peace Boat Tuesday announced that it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Finnish shipbuilding company Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc. (Arctech) for the construction of Ecoship - hailed "the world's greenest cruise ship."

As Ship & Bunker has previously reported, Ecoship will be a hybrid wind and solar powered vessel equipped with a "future-ready" hybrid engine.

Peace Boat's Director and Founder Yoshioka Tatsuya, commenting on the news, said: "we have agreed with Arctech to build the Ecoship, the most innovative and ecologically friendly cruise vessel ever. We believe this ship will be a game changer for the shipping industry and will contribute to the protection of the environment. It will be a flagship for climate change.

"We are very happy to work together with a Finnish shipyard, and look forward to exploring clean and sustainable technologies with partners throughout this region, which is known for its environmental leadership."

Peace Boat says the final contract for the 2,000-passenger, 60,000 GT vessel is expected to be signed shortly, with the newbuild slated for delivery in spring 2020.

"We are very excited to work with Peace Boat in the construction of this very special vessel. Arctech has a long experience in design and construction of special products," said Esko Mustamaki, CEO from Arctech

"Ecoship will combine Arctech's know-how in technically advanced and environmentally friendly vessels with the well-established expertise of the Finnish shipbuilding network in designing and building of high-class cruise vessels and other special products. Arctech is a forerunner in developing and applying technological innovations, including LNG propulsion."

In March, Ship & Bunker reported that Peace Boat had given new details on the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering plans for Ecoship.