UECC: Keel laid for 3rd battery hybrid PCTC

The keel has been laid for the third battery hybrid LNG-powered pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) being built for United European Car Carriers (UECC), a Norway-based provider of shortsea RoRo transportation.

The ceremony at Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard on 19 May saw the laying of the keel for the hull designated H2665 as part of a newbuild programme in which UECC is developing the first-ever vessels to run on hybrid propulsion power fuelled by LNG.

“When they hit the water, these … vessels will represent a sea change for the industry by using available LNG technology to drastically cut emissions on short sea shipping in Europe,” Glenn Edvardsen, UECC chief executive, commented.

The first newbuild is due for delivery later this year after being launched at the yard last month, with the second and third vessels set to be delivered in the first half of 2022.

Edvardsen says the trio represents “a giant leap towards decarbonisation” as the use of a battery hybrid solution will take UECC beyond the IMO target of a 40% reduction in carbon intensity from 2008 levels by 2030. The three vessels will also meet the IMO’s Tier 3 NOx emissions limitations entering into force in the Baltic Sea and North Sea from keel lays this year.

Operational efficiency

Battery power on the new vessels will improve operational efficiency and further reduce emissions through peak shaving, in addition to handling partial accommodation load and driving auxiliary equipment.

This will enable them to recharge batteries while at sea using a shaft generator in order to use battery power for manoeuvring in ports in line with port requirements to cut emissions.

According to UECC, emissions of carbon dioxide will be reduced by around 25%, SOx and particulate matter by 90% and NOx by 85% from the use of LNG, which is also affordable and widely available through an existing bunkering network.

In addition, the next-generation newbuild trio will be equipped with dual-fuel engines for main propulsion and auxiliaries that will also be able to use carbon-neutral and synthetic drop-in fuels as these become commercially available in the future.

“UECC is taking the initiative in the industry to achieve decarbonisation using currently available technologies, rather than waiting for the perfect solution,” Edvardsen added.

“At the same time, these vessels will be highly cost competitive due to operational efficiency and reduced fuel costs.”

Investing in the future

UECC further explained that being able to offer eco-friendly ship operations will be a key differentiating factor in winning cargo contracts in the future shipping market due to increased pressure from regulators, port authorities and clients.

With an overall length of 169 meters, a width of 28 meters and a car carrying capacity of 3,600 units on 10 cargo decks, the new vessels are highly flexible, enabling them to accommodate a wide range of high & heavy and break-bulk cargoes, in addition to cars and trucks.

The addition of the three newbuilds will give UECC five eco-friendly vessels – including two dual-fuel LNG-powered PCTCs already on the water – out of its 17-vessel fleet.