THE FIRST Pacific International Lines (PIL) vessel to carry a bow windshield was named in a ceremony in China this week.
The Kota Embun is the fourth 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel in PIL’s fleet renewal program.
The bow windshield is designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption and corresponding emissions by 1% per annum on the Far East to West Coast Central and South America Service 2 route that the vessel will ply.
The vessel was named by Mrs Evelyn Ng, wife of Mr Ng Kee Choe, Deputy Chairman of PIL, in a ceremony held in the Shanghai shipyard on 10 March.
According to a PIL media release, Embun means ‘dew’ in Malay and symbolises renewal and harmony with nature, reflecting the vessel’s role in promoting sustainable and environmentally-friendly shipping practices.
The 14,000 TEU vessel is part of PIL’s “E” Class series, which are the largest in its fleet. They are also the first to run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and were designed and constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard, a leading shipbuilder in China.
Mr Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL said the naming of Kota Embun, is testament to the excellent progress PIL is making in its fleet renewal drive and journey towards greener shipping.
“We have another 14 new vessels of various capacities, equipped with LNG dual-fuel technology and other advancements. Each new vessel brings us closer to our goal of operating a more modern and environmentally-friendly fleet. They enhance our ability to better meet global trade demands and support our customers with wider and more efficient services.”
PIL has ordered a total of 18 newbuild vessels since 2022. In addition to the four 14,000 TEU vessels, PIL has another four 8,000 TEU, five 13,000 TEU, and five 9,000 TEU vessels on order.
