PIL books new LNG dual-fuel containerships to step up fleet renewal game

As part of its fleet renewal program, Singapore-based shipping company Pacific International Lines (PIL) has ordered five new 13,000 TEU containerships to be powered by LNG dual-fuel engines.

The company revealed the move on August 19, stating that the shipbuilding contract for the new vessels was awarded to China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

The vessels are expected to be delivered progressively from the end of 2026.

The newbuilds will be equipped with dual-fuel engines and auxiliaries capable of running on both LNG and low sulfur fuel oil.

In addition, the ships will incorporate technological and energy-saving features such as an optimized hull-form, variable-frequency drive (VFD) motors for larger pumps and ventilation blowers, lower-energy LED lightings, and premium hull coatings, PIL said.

When completed, the vessels will be fully compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for newbuilds and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

What is more, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) have been incorporated into the design and equipment for the automation of tasks with an aim to contribute to more efficient operations and provide a safe and modern working environment.

The shipowner pointed out that the vessels’ digital features will further boost the ability of PIL’s Centre for Maritime Efficiency to optimize vessel operations and routes, increase safety and security, as well as minimize energy usage.

Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, said: “These latest orders are part of PIL’s fleet renewal strategy for larger and more eco-friendly vessel types. Together with another eight vessels we currently have under construction, we now have 13 new vessels that will contribute significantly towards our decarbonisation goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“As part of our commitment to putting customers first, we are continually optimising our fleet with newer and more advanced vessels to better serve customers in our key markets. For instance, the vessels will have a high refrigerated container capacity payload to support our services for the transport of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat and pharmaceuticals.”

PIL currently has four 14,000 TEU and four 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels under construction in China.

The first two of the 14,000 TEU vessels are expected to be delivered later this year.

The construction of the first vessel in the 8,200 TEU series began at the end of 2023. These vessels will be progressively delivered from 2025 and equipped with ammonia intermediate-ready fuel tanks, enabling all vessels to run on cleaner ammonia fuel when the technology becomes commercially available.