PIL Expands Fleet with New LNG-Powered Vessels

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  • Pacific International Lines Expands with Eco-Friendly Container Ships
  • Five LNG Dual-Fuel Vessels Ordered to Advance Green Shipping Goals
  • Fleet Modernization Continues with Five New LNG-Powered 9,000 TEU Ships

On 05 November 2024, Singapore, Pacific International Lines (PIL) ordered five additional 9,000 TEU dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) container vessels as the company continues to renew its fleet. The vessels will be built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd leading Chinese shipbuilder at the yards of the Company. Deliveries are to take place in 2027 and 2028 respectively, reports PIL.

Increased Cargo Capacity

New vessels, that are designed with cargo stowage features very highly optimized, will significantly boost the service capabilities of PIL. Aspects of the environmental sustainability of ships are also imbued. They run on LNG and can function on bio-methane.

Expanding and Modernizing the PIL Fleet

“With 18 newbuild vessels ordered in the last couple of years, PIL is demonstrating our commitment to renew, expand and modernise our fleet,” said Mr Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL. “Our aim is to replace up to half our fleet in the next decade with modern new ships and charters. 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.”

Digital Innovations for Efficiency and Customer Service

All these new vessels will carry the most recent digital innovation that was adopted in earlier orders, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which monitor and automate tasks in real time. The enhanced digital capabilities, therefore, ensure that the firm can correctly plan routes as well as handle cargo while ensuring effective service to its customers.

Meeting International Standards for Energy Efficiency

The new vessels will comply with the Energy Efficiency Design Index, which is the requirement by IMO for new buildings. In addition to that, the Carbon Intensity Indicator, CII will also be complied with. Each of the vessels will carry on board energy efficiency features including streamlined hull form, variable speed drive motors, shaft generator, low energy LED, and advanced hull coatings among others.

Recent Fleet Expansion Milestones

This latest order brings to a total of 18 newbuild vessels ordered by PIL since 2022, with four of those being 14,000 TEU, four 8,000 TEU, five 13,000 TEU, and five 9,000 TEU ships. In October, PIL successfully named two of its newly constructed 14,000 TEU vessels: Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald. Kota Eagle will embark on its maiden voyage on PIL’s West Coast Central and South America Service 2 route in late October 2024.

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Source: PIL