United European Car Carriers (UECC) has ordered two additional eco-friendly pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, expanding its fleet of multi-fuel battery hybrid vessels.
The order brings the number of UECC new-builds under construction at the yard to four. The two latest vessels will each have a capacity of 3,000 car equivalent units (CEU), while two larger 4,500 CEU vessels already on order are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
The new ships are intended to increase capacity and operational flexibility across UECC’s European short-sea shipping network.
“These new-buildings represent a significant step forward in safety, efficiency and environmental performance, while redefining cargo-carrying capability in the PCTC segment,” said Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC.
“This is an important milestone both in strengthening the sustainability and capability of our fleet, as well as our partnership with China Merchants Jinling.”
The vessels are being developed in cooperation with Shanghai Ship Research & Design Institute (SDARI). They will feature multi-fuel LNG engines, battery-hybrid propulsion and shore power capability.
According to the company, the ships will incorporate aerodynamic hull designs and energy-efficient propulsion technologies to reduce fuel consumption. They will also be equipped with real-time emissions monitoring systems to track environmental performance.
The vessels are expected to be delivered in early 2028.
UECC said safety has been a key consideration in the vessel design, with fire containment systems and enhanced monitoring and detection technologies integrated into the architecture to support the safe transportation of vehicles and other cargo types, including hazardous goods.
The ships will have nine cargo decks and a quarter stern ramp rated at 160 tons, with a length overall of 169.5m. The configuration is designed to enable the transportation of a wider range of cargo, including high and heavy vehicles and project cargo.
Edvardsen said the vessels will also include digital systems aimed at improving operational monitoring and decision-making.
“Advanced monitoring and data capabilities contribute to improved performance management, situational awareness and lifecycle optimization,” he said.
With the new order, UECC will operate nine dual-fuel LNG and battery-hybrid PCTCs – delivered since 2016 – that are capable of running on liquefied biomethane.
The company said the new vessels are designed to support future alternative fuels and evolving regulatory requirements, including measures such as the FuelEU Maritime framework and the EU Emissions Trading System.
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