PACIFIC International Lines (PIL) has announced it has ordered another five liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container vessels.
Part of its fleet renewal acceleration, the 9000 TEU box ships will be built by one of China’s leading shipbuilders, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, with delivery exected between 2027 and 2028.
In addition to being LNG powered, the vessels have the capability to transition to run on bio-methane, a low-emission alternative fuel currently gaining traction in shipping.
PIL says the vessels are designed with “highly-optimised” cargo stowage features which will significantly enhance the Singaporean shipping line’s service capabilities.
The new order comes after PIL ordered five LNG box ships in August this year, also from Hudong-Zhonghua, with those ships to have 13,000 TEU capacity each.
PIL said that similar to the earlier orders, the newest vessels to be ordered will also be equipped with the latest in digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things for real-time monitoring and automation of various tasks.
These technologies are expected to enhance digital capabilities that will enable better route planning and cargo management, allowing timely and reliable service to customers.
The line further affirmed the vessels will be built to achieve a high level of environmental sustainability.
Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL said, “With 18 newbuild vessels ordered in the last couple of years, PIL is demonstrating our commitment to renew, expand and modernise our fleet”.
“Our aim is to replace up to half our fleet in the next decade with modern new ships and charters,” Mr Kastrup said.
“These ships are a significant step towards our green shipping goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, while increasing operational and cost efficiencies, improving services to our customers as well as enhancing the welfare of our crew.”
The newbuilds will fully comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index for newbuilds and the Carbon Intensity Indicator, PIL says.
The ships will reportedly feature energy-saving features such as a streamlined hull-form, variable-frequency drive motors, shaft generators, lower-energy LED lightings, as well as superior hull coatings.
With the latest order, PIL has ordered a total of 18 newbuild vessels since 2022, including four 14,000 TEU, four 8000 TEU, five 13,000 TEU, and five 9000 TEU vessels.
Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald, two of the 14,000 TEU vessels, were recently named in a ceremony in October.
Later that month, PIL successfully completed its inaugural LNG bunkering aboard Kota Eagle at the Yangshan port in Shanghai.
