Singapore’s Pacific International Lines (PIL) has named its first two LNG-powered container vessels in a ceremony at China’s Jiangnan on Tuesday.
With a capacity of 14,000 teu, they are the largest vessels in PIL’s fleet and also the first to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
PIL said the first vessel was named Kota Eagle and the second vessel Kota Emerald.
“Being the first vessels in the fleet to run on cleaner fuels, the names “Eagle” and “Emerald” convey PIL’s aim to be a sustainable shipping line which co-exists harmoniously with nature and the environment,” the firm said.
Upon their deliveries, the two vessels will be plying the route from the Far East to Latin America on PIL’s West Coast Central and South America Service 2 route.
The vessels are 335 metres long and 51 metres wide.
They also feature GTT’s Mark III LNG containment system, an optimized hull form, and variable-frequency drive motors.
In March 2022, PIL ordered four 14,000-teu LNG dual-fuel containerships at Jiangnan with deliveries scheduled in 2024 and 2025.
Moreover, PIL’s nine other LNG dual-fuel containerships on order include four 8,000 teu vessels, and five 13,000 teu vessels.
PIL will take delivery of all of the vessels in the next few years.