United European Car Carriers (UECC) has signed a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing for up to four advanced multi-fuel battery hybrid pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).
The order is for two firm vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028, with options for two more units that if exercised would bring the number of multi-fuel newbuilds in the UECC fleet to nine. The carrier said that the ships will come equipped with multi-fuel LNG-driven engines incorporating modern propulsion technologies to optimise energy efficiency and an aerodynamic hull design, which has been model tested extensively, to minimize fuel consumption, as well as shore power capability and solar panels installed on the top deck.
The newbuilds will also have a significantly greater cargo capacity of 4,500 ceu, with 10 decks – of which two are hoistable – together with a quarter stern ramp capacity of 160 tonnes and overall length of 190 m. They are intended for deployment into UECC’s European shortsea shipping liner network for transport of vehicles, high and heavy and other rolling cargoes.
UECC’s ceo Glenn Edvardsen, said: ““Future-proofing of newbuilds is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. These PCTCs are therefore designed with advanced technologies to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, while being adaptable to accommodate future innovations and regulatory changes.”
UECC’s existing multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid vessels, Auto Advance, Auto Achieve and Auto Aspire, currently exceed the IMO’s target for a minimum 40 percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030. Furthermore, it said its fleet is already running a compliance surplus in relation to FuelEU Maritime set for implementation next year.
The company added that it has been able to achieve a 25 percent reduction in CO2 emissions through the use of LNG on these and another two dual-fuel LNG vessels, Auto Eco and Auto Energy, delivered earlier. The recent adoption of liquefied biomethane on its LNG-fuelled vessels has further reduced the carbon footprint of these vessels, while UECC is on track to increase the use of biofuels to 50 percent of its fleet this year.
