United European Car Carriers (UECC) has entrusted China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) with the delivery of two multi-fuel pure car and truck carriers (PCTC) in a deal that includes an option for two more newbuilds.

The first pair of the 4,500-CEU-capacity vessels is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

The PCTCs will offer 10 decks, including two hoistable, together with a quarter stern ramp capacity of 160 tonnes.

The newbuildings will feature multi-fuel, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-driven engines, plus battery packs, shore power connectors, and a photovoltaic system installed on their top decks.

"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," commented Glenn Edvardsen, UECC's CEO.

He furthered, "This ensures that our operations can be continually optimized as new fuels and technologies are matured to further enhance the environmental efficiency of the UECC fleet, in line with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and the needs of our clients. There is still a long way to go to reach net zero. These newbuilds will further strengthen one of the most environment-friendly fleets in the industry and enable us to realize our sustainability ambitions."

His company added in a press brief, "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% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030. Furthermore, its fleet is already running a compliance surplus in relation to FuelEU Maritime set for implementation next year."

UECC also shared that it has started bunkering biomethane and is on track to increase the use of biofuels to 50% across its fleet this year. The company aims to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by 2040.

Photo: UECC