GAC’s first LNG-powered pure car and truck carrier, Global Acouncagua, has completed its sea trials in China, according to China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai.
On October 20, the sea trial team overcame multiple challenges posed by new designs, new equipment, and new systems to complete the sea trial of the vessel (W0306), the shipbuilder said.
China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai will now aim to finalize outstanding engineering tasks, ensuring the timely delivery of the vessel, it said.
The shipbuilder did not say when it expects to deliver the LNG-powered PCTC.
In June this year, the shipbuilder floated out the vessel.
This is GAC’s first of four LNG dual-fuel PCTCs with a capacity of 7,000 ceu.
Designed by SDARI and classified by DNV, the vessels are 199.9 meters long and 38 meters wide, with a speed of 19 knots.
In addition, they have 12 vehicle decks, a high-pressure dual-fuel main engine and two C-type LNG tanks with a capacity of 1,700 cubic meters.
In 2022, Global Auto Carriers (GAC), a firm backed by Gram Car Carriers, ordered these four LNG dual-fuel PCTCs at the Chinese shipbuilder.
Switzerland-based shipping giant MSC now owns Gram Car Carriers.
According to the Gram Car Carriers website, delivery of Global Acouncagua is expected by the end of this year, while the deliveries of Global Fuji, Global Kilimanjaro, and Global Patagonia are expected to take place during 2026.