Pacific International Lines (PIL) names its first two 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels. The ships are the first two of four of the largest vessels in PIL’s fleet to be delivered as part of the company’s fleet renewal programme.
The ocean carrier named its vessels in a ceremony at Jiangnan Shipyard in China on 15 October.
Kota Eagle was named by Chan Su-Shan, the wife of Dilhan Pillay, CEO of Temasek Holdings, while Kota Emerald was named by Liza Teo, the wife of S.S. Teo, Executive Chairman of PIL.
Upon their deliveries, Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald will be deployed on PIL’s West Coast Central and South America Service 2 service.
Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, commented, “Taking delivery of these highly efficient vessels which run on LNG from their maiden voyage is a major milestone in our sustainability journey. They will contribute to reducing our carbon footprint as part of our strategy to transition to net zero emissions by 2050.”
He added, “These were the first dual-fuel LNG container vessels ordered by an Asian container shipping line in 2022. Together with another 11 new dual-fuel ships we have on order, they mark the start of our programme to renew and modernise our fleet. They will complement the existing vessels in our fleet and boost our connectivity around the world to better service customers.”
PIL noted the use of digitalisation onboard the vessels, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), is expected to increase the automation of tasks as well as enable better monitoring and planning of the vessels’ operations and routes through PIL’s Centre for Maritime Efficiency.
The 14,000 TEU vessels have an overall length of 335 metres and a width of 51 metres, while there is significant reefer capacity. The two boxships are equipped with GTT’s Mark III LNG containment system and feature a high container intake as well as various energy saving technologies, such as superior hull coatings – an optimised hull form and variable frequency drive motors.
As part of PIL’s brand refresh, PIL’s new vessels sport a red hull. The company will progressively change the hull colour of all its vessels from black to red.
PIL’s 11 other LNG dual-fuel container ships on order include two 14,000 TEU vessels, four 8,000 TEU vessels and five 13,000 TEU vessels and they will be progressively delivered in the next few years.
