PACIFIC International Lines (PIL) has named two liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container vessels in a ceremony at the Jiangnan shipyard in China on 15 October.
The 14,000 TEU box ships are the largest vessels in the Singaporean shipping line’s fleet, and the first to run on LNG.
Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald will be the first to be delivered in a line of LNG vessels currently on order, with 11 additional vessels to be delivered.
PIL says thew two new vessels will ply the route from the far east to latin America on PIL’s West Coast Central and South America Service 2 routes.
Each vessel is equipped with a GTT Mark III LNG containment system, and feature a high container intake as well as various energy saving technologies, including specialised hull coatings, an optimised hull form, and variable frequency drive motors.
Mr S.S. Teo, executive chariman of PIL said, “This is a very special and exciting moment for us as it is the first batch of newbuildings after our restructuring and we are grateful to all of those who have supported PIL through the challenging times, allowing us to be here today”.
Mr Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL said taking delivery of the LNG vessels is a major milestone in the company’s sustainability journey.
“These were the first dual-fuel LNG container vessels ordered by an Asian container shipping line in 2022. Together with another 11 new dual-fuel ships we have on order, they mark the start of our programme to renew and modernise our fleet.
“As market trends change and sustainable shipping solutions grow in importance, we ensure that we are Future-Focused and well prepared to meet the evolving needs of the industry.”
PIL said the vessels feature aspects of digitalization, such as artificial intelligence and internet of things, which are expected to increase the automation of tasks, and enable better monitoring and planning of the vessels’ operations and routes.
Additionally, with a large number of specialised reefer electrical outlets onboard, the vessels boast the flexibility to take on more refrigerated containers.
As part of PIL’s brand refresh launched this year, its new vessels starting with Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald will sport an energetic red hull to better signify the company’s passionate approach in providing people-centric solutions.
PIL will progressively change the hull colour of all its vessels from black to red.
The company says its 11 LNG dual fuel box ships currently on order will be progressively delivered over the next few years.
