Singapore’s Pacific International Lines (PIL) held the naming ceremony of its latest 8,200-teu LNG dual-fuel container vessel at the Port of Tema, marking a first for PIL in Ghana.
The vessel, part of PIL’s new “O” Class series, was officially named Kota Odyssey on Tuesday, according to a PIL statement.
Moreover, Kota Odyssey will operate on PIL’s South West Africa Service (SWS), connecting China, Singapore, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire through a direct weekly service.
PIL said this strengthens trade flows between Asia and West Africa and reinforces Ghana’s role as a strategic logistics hub.
“Naming this vessel in Ghana reflects our deep-rooted presence and growing investment in the country,” said Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL.
“Ghana plays a vital role in our network, not only as a key gateway into West Africa but also as a strategic hub for regional connectivity and inland transport,” he said.
This is PIL’s third in a series of four 8,200-teu LNG dual-fuel container vessels that the company ordered from China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.
In April, PIL took delivery of Kota Oasis followed by the delivery of Kota Ocean in May.
These newbuild O class vessels are part of PIL’s long-term plan to optimize its network deployment and renew its fleet for greater operational efficiency.
The vessels are equipped with WinGD’s XDF engines with iCER (intelligent control by exhaust recycling), which reduce methane emissions.
Also, the LNG fuel tanks feature GTT’s Mark III membrane containment tech.