- UECC is adding the car carrier vessel Auto Way to increase capacity and sailing frequency on its North-South route.
- The expanded route will now include Cuxhaven, Germany, and Efesan, Turkey.
- UECC plans to operate Auto Way with biofuels and is enhancing its sustainability initiatives through various programs.
United European Car Carriers (UECC) is enhancing its fleet to meet growing customer demand by adding a new car carrier, Auto Way. This move supports UECC’s commitment to expanding its North-South route network and advancing sustainability efforts, reports UECC.
New Vessel Addition
UECC is expanding its fleet with the addition of the Auto Way, a car carrier recently acquired from Höegh Autoliners and renamed for long-term charter.
This vessel will boost capacity and sailing frequency on the North-South route starting end-October.
“UECC has been successful in attracting new contractual volumes from both existing and new customers that has resulted in an increased capacity requirement on this route,” says UECC’s COO Per Christian Mørk.
Increased Capacity and Frequency
“The addition of another vessel will enable us to increase both cargo capacity and sailing frequency, as well as expand this network with additional ports in co-operation with our customers to provide tailor-made services.”
The route will also see additional ports, enhancing service for customers with tailored solutions.
Expanded North-South Network
The North-South route, the largest trading loop for UECC, will now include Cuxhaven, Germany, and Efesan, Turkey.
This expansion brings the number of ports served to ten and the fleet operating on the route to five vessels.
Flexible Cargo Handling
The Auto Way features a deck configuration that accommodates a variety of cargo, including breakbulk and rolling heavy equipment.
This flexibility is key to meeting diverse customer needs.
Ambition for Future Growth
UECC’s addition of the Auto Way reflects its ambition to improve services and accommodate future growth.
The company is focusing on meeting market demands with both short-term and long-term strategies.
Wallenius Lines’ Strategic Move
The acquisition of the Auto Way aligns with Wallenius Lines’ strategy to innovate and invest in both new and used tonnage.
“By adding a vessel, we are demonstrating our clear ambition to improve our services to current and future partners. Furthermore, we see future growth potential based on market requirements, both in the shorter and longer term,” he says.
This supports UECC’s goal of enhancing its fleet and service capabilities.
Fleet and Sustainability
Wallenius Lines’ CEO Erik Nøklebye states,“The purchase from Höegh Autoliners is in line with the strategy of being actively engaged in this shipping segment through innovation, design, building, management of and investing in both used and new tonnage, offering direct support to our partner companies.”
With the addition of the Auto Way, UECC’s fleet will comprise 14 vessels.
The company plans further expansion and aims to operate its vessels with biofuels to minimize environmental impact.
Sustainability Initiatives
UECC is pioneering biofuels and has launched the Sail for Change program to promote zero-carbon bioLNG.
This initiative supports the company’s commitment to exceeding environmental regulations.
Future Projects and Innovations
UECC is working on several innovative projects to further its sustainability goals.
“We aim to go beyond compliance and exceed environmental requirements. That is in our DNA. Our ambition is to continually improve the sustainability of our operations, while demonstrating this to the market through proactive investments in the fleet and alternative fuels,” Mørk says.
And he adds enticingly: “We at UECC are currently working on several ground-breaking projects and, when the time comes, we expect our initiatives will be well-received by the industry.”
The company anticipates that these projects will positively impact the industry and demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship.
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Source: UECC
