Greece’s Neptune Lines has ordered two LNG-powered pure car and truck carriers at China’s Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding.
Neptune Lines said in a statement on Tuesday the Deltamarin-designed LNG dual-fuel vessels will have a capacity of 4,200 ceu.
Also, the Chinese shipbuilder will deliver the two ships specially designed for its short sea trades in 2026, the firm said.
Neptune Lines did not reveal the price tag of the deal.
These will be the first LNG-powered PCTCs in the company’s fleet.
The new vessels, under the Genesis project, are the first two of a new series which reflects Neptune’s strategy to supplement its fleet over the next decade, increase relevant cargo capacity by 36 percent from current core fleet vessels, and reduce emissions to remain well ahead of global targets, the Greek firm said.
Both vessels have hybrid energy systems, including a battery installation to supply peak power, and a dual-fuel high pressure 2-stroke engine, enabling them to utilize LNG or VLSFO as fuel for reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Moreover, a controllable pitch propeller with shaft generator and multiple thrusters are utilized for the propulsion and efficient maneuvering of the vessels
The vessels will also feature shore power capability, enabling them to connect to port grids when available to remove emissions when in port.
DNV will class both of the vessels.
The Neptune Lines’ fleet comprises 21 PCTCs with different loading capacities, ranging from 1,500 to 6,500 vehicles, according to its website.
Deltamarin contract
Finland-based designer Deltamarin, a part of China Merchants Group, said in a separate statement it has signed a deal with Fujian Mawei for the design and engineering of the new Neptune Lines PCTCs
Neptune Lines and Deltamarin have together developed the new-generation PCTC concept that emphasizes environmental features while ensuring operational performance and safety, it said.
The engineering contract, signed with the shipbuilder, is a direct continuation of the work and includes the complete basic and detail design of the vessels.
Deltamarin also designed the new Aurora class vessels for Hoegh Autoliners.
Hoegh Autoliners recently entered into a contract with China Merchants Heavy Industry in Jiangsu for four additional multi-fuel PCTCs that can run on LNG.
This brings the number of total vessels with a capacity of 9,100 ceu under the company’s newbuilding program to twelve vessels.