China’s Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI) has launched one LNG-powered pure car and truck carrier it is building for BoComm Leasing and a joint venture led by Cosco Shipping.
XSI held the launching ceremony on Monday for the LNG dual-fuel PCTC (XSI463C) with a capacity of 7,500 ceu, according to a statement by Guangzhou Yuanhai Automobile Shipping, a JV formed by Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers, Shanghai International Port Group Logistics (SIPGL), and SAIC Anji Logistics.
The JV said that the jointly ordered vessel is expected to be delivered in July.
Also, this is the first Guangzhou Yuanhai Automobile Shipping’s newbuild to be launched among the 24 LNG dual-fuel car carriers with a capacity of 7,000 ceu to 8600 ceu, according to the firm.
The launched vessel is 199.9 meters long, 38 meters wide, and has a total of 13 car decks.
XSI and Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding, both part of Fujian Shipbuilding Industry Group, are building in total 12 LNG-powered PCTCs which will serve the JV.
Guangzhou Yuanhai Automobile Shipping said in March last year that its fleet will grow to 24 LNG-powered PCTCs until 2026 after it placed an order for three more vessels with a capacity of 7,000 units at China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).
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.