PACIFIC International Lines (PIL) has successfully completed its inaugural liquiefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering of an LNG-powered container vessel at the Yangshan port in Shanghai.

The operation was conducted in conjunction with bunkering supplier Shanghai SIPG Energy Service (SSES) for the box ship Kota Eagle on 26 October.

The ship-to-ship bunkering operation saw the 14,000 TEU ship receive approximately 8000 cubic metres of LNG from the Hai Gang Wei Lai bunkering vessel.

Kota Eagle, which is on her maiden voyage, is the first vessel in PIL’s fleet to be powered by LNG, and following the bunkering will sail to Ningbo (China) and depart for Latin America on PIL’s West Coast Central and South America Service 2 route.

Chia Yuijn, head of sustainability, decarbonisation and marine fuels at PIL said the completion of the company’s first LNG bunkering, together with its continued investments in a newbuilding programme focused exclusively on greener dual-fuel vessels, demonstrates its commitment to sustainable shipping.

“We believe the expedient transition to cleaner fuels is achieved through collaboration between various stakeholders in the value chain,” Mr Yuijn said.

PIL affirmed the operation underscores the commitment of both companies to achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) target of net zero emissions by 2050.

The Singaporean shipping company also said Kota Eagle’s LNG dual-fuel engine is complemented with various energy saving technologies that further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Dai, General Manager of SSES commented, “The successful LNG bunkering operation for Kota Eagle marks a significant beginning for our partnership”.

“We look forward to a fruitful partnership with PIL. Together, we are not just powering ships but also driving towards a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.”

Mr Yujin thanked PIL’s suppliers, SSES, and SIPG port group for the close coordination which contributed to the safe and efficient operation.

Kota Eagle was one of two LNG dual fuel box ships named in a ceremony at the Jiangnan shipyard in China on 15 October.