UECC orders up to four multi-fuel battery hybrid PCTCs

In a major fleet expansion move, Norway-based RoRo transportation provider United European Car Carriers (UECC) has signed a shipbuilding contract with a Chinese yard for up to four multi-fuel battery hybrid pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).

The newbuild order placed with shipbuilder China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing is for two firm vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028, with options for two more units that if exercised would bring the number of eco-friendly newbuilds in the UECC fleet to nine.

As explained, the vessels will represent another “big leap in decarbonization” for UECC, with multi-fuel LNG-driven engines incorporating advanced propulsion technologies to optimize energy efficiency and an aerodynamic hull design, which has been model tested extensively, to minimize fuel consumption, as well as shore power capability and solar panels installed on the top deck.

Future-proof newbuilds

The latest newbuilds will also have a significantly greater cargo capacity of 4,500 CEU, with 10 decks – of which two are hoistable – together with a quarter stern ramp capacity of 160 tons and LOA of 190 meters.

They will be deployed in UECC’s European short-sea shipping liner network for transport of vehicles, high & heavy and other rolling cargoes.

“We are delighted to have finalized this agreement to begin a successful partnership with Jinling… We believe this contract will be a solid foundation for a strong and mutually beneficial relationship,” Glenn Edvardsen, UECC’s CEO, commented.

“Future-proofing of newbuilds is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. These PCTCs are therefore designed with advanced technologies to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, while being adaptable to accommodate future innovations and regulatory changes.”

“This ensures that our operations can be continually optimized as new fuels and technologies are matured to further enhance the environmental efficiency of the UECC fleet, in line with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and the needs of our clients,” he added.

Bolstering decarbonization

UECC’s existing multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid vessels, Auto Advance, Auto Achieve and Auto Aspire, currently exceed the IMO’s target for a minimum 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, according to the company.

Earlier this month, UECC earned Bremenports’ Green Focus Award for Cleanest Vessel with Auto Advance recognized as the most eco-friendly ship calling at the German ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven in 2023.

Furthermore, the company’s fleet is already running a compliance surplus in relation to FuelEU Maritime set for implementation next year.

The Norwegian company has been able to achieve a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions through the use of LNG on these and another two dual-fuel LNG vessels, Auto Eco and Auto Energy, delivered earlier.

The recent adoption of liquefied biomethane on its LNG-fueled vessels has further reduced the carbon footprint of these vessels, while UECC is on track to increase the use of biofuels to 50% of its fleet this year.

Edvardsen explained that the latest newbuild investments support UECC’s goal of eliminating the use of fossil fuels entirely by 2040.

“There is still a long way to go to reach net zero. These newbuilds will further strengthen one of the most environment-friendly fleets in the industry and enable us to realize our sustainability ambitions,” he concluded.

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