- UECC introduces the Blue Aspire, a dual-fuel LNG Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) with advanced eco-friendly features.
- The 200-meter-long vessel can carry nearly 7,000 vehicles and offers high flexibility with 12 cargo decks, including four hoistable decks.
- By adopting alternative fuels like LNG and liquefied biomethane (LBM), UECC aims to significantly reduce fleet emissions in line with green regulations.
- Blue Aspire will boost sailing capacity and frequency on UECC’s European North-South trade routes, enhancing service for key ports.
- Partnerships and Future Plans: Collaborations with clean fuel providers and the introduction of new multi-fuel vessels showcase UECC’s dedication to sustainable shipping.
United European Car Carriers (UECC), as reported by the company, is further expanding its fleet of environmentally friendly car carriers with the dual-fuel LNG newbuild Blue Aspire. This innovative vessel is poised to increase capacity and service efficiency on UECC’s North-South European trading network from mid-December. The vessel was recently delivered from CIMC Raffles Offshore Engineering in China.
Advanced Vessel Design and Capabilities
The Blue Aspire is built for versatility and efficiency, with the capacity to transport nearly 7,000 vehicles on 12 cargo decks. Four of these decks are hoistable, making the vessel suitable for High & Heavy (H&H) cargoes. Its stern ramp, capable of handling loads up to 250 tons, further enhances its operational range.
Scheduled for deployment on UECC’s Mediterranean-Northern Europe trade route, the vessel will call at key ports, including Yenikoy and Autoport in Turkey, Cuxhaven in Germany, and Zeebrugge in Belgium, with a high sailing frequency of every 4.5 days.
Strengthening Fleet Capacity
With Blue Aspire, UECC increases the number of vessels servicing its North-South network to six, offering improved capacity and sailing frequency. The fleet expansion supports 10 ports across two routes, ensuring greater flexibility and reliability for clients. The deployment follows the acquisition of the Auto Way, which marked another significant enhancement to the company’s operational capability.
Currently, UECC operates a total of 15 PCTCs, including five dual and multi-fuel LNG vessels, three of which feature battery hybrid technologies. The company has also commissioned two additional multi-fuel LNG vessels, expected to be delivered in 2028, as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
Meeting Sustainability Demands
As the maritime industry faces stricter environmental regulations like FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS, vehicle manufacturers are increasingly seeking greener logistics solutions. UECC is addressing these demands by expanding its eco-friendly fleet, incorporating alternative fuels, and deploying advanced energy-efficient technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Elevating Green Performance with LBM
While LNG offers an approximate 25% reduction in emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels, UECC is taking further steps to enhance its green performance by adopting liquefied biomethane (LBM). Through a supply agreement with Titan Clean Fuels, UECC plans to cut fleet emissions by 75,000 tons in 2025, advancing its Sail for Change sustainability initiative and strengthening its collaborations with major European vehicle manufacturers.
A Milestone in Sustainable Shipping
The Blue Aspire represents UECC’s ongoing commitment to decarbonizing the maritime industry. By combining cutting-edge technology, innovative fuels, and an expanding fleet, UECC is setting a benchmark for sustainable shipping while meeting the growing demands of its clients.
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Source: UECC
