China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) started building an LNG-powered pure car and truck carrier for a joint venture led by Cosco Shipping.
GSI said in a statement it held on April 8 a steel-cutting ceremony for the LNG dual-fuel PCTC (Hull No. 23110001) with a capacity of 7,000 ceu.
The shipbuilder is constructing the vessel for Guangzhou Ocean Car Carrier, a JV formed by Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers, Shanghai International Port Group Logistics (SIPGL), and SAIC Anji Logistics.
Designed by SDARI, the vessel will be 199.9 meters long, 38 meters wide, and will have a total of 12 car decks.
In March last year, GSI announced an order for three more LNG-powered PCTCs from Guangzhou Ocean Car Carrier Transportation.
Guangzhou Ocean Car Carrier Transportation previously said that its fleet will grow to 24 LNG-powered PCTCs until 2026.
XSI and Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding, both part of Fujian Shipbuilding Industry Group, are also building in total 12 LNG-powered PCTCs which will serve the JV.
The JV expects to take delivery of six newbuilds this year, 11 vessels in 2025, while seven vessels will join its fleet in 2026.
With the delivery of new capacity, the company plans to gradually expand its route coverage to Europe, South America, Mexico, Australia, and also other regions.