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As the shipping industry debates “the future fuel,†a carrier, United European Car Carriers (UECC), moves forward, today celebrating the keel laying of its third in a series of hybrid battery-powered PCTCs in the US. liquefied natural gas (LNG). arrangement.
The ceremony at the Shanghai Jiangnan Chinese Shipyard saw the laying of the keel of the designated H2665 hull as part of an ambitious new build program in which UECC takes the lead in sustainable navigation by developing the very first vessels operating at hybrid propulsion powered by LNG.
In total, the ships measure 169 by 28 meters, offering a carrying capacity of 3,600 units on 10 cargo decks. These ships are built to be flexible, able to accommodate a wide range of heavy and heavy and bulk cargoes, in addition to cars and trucks.
The addition of the three new buildings will give UECC five environmentally friendly vessels, or half of its fleet of 10 vessels.
“When they hit the water, these state-of-the-art vessels will represent a sea change for the industry by using available LNG technology to dramatically reduce emissions from short sea shipping in Europe,” said Glenn Edvardsen , CEO of UECC.
The first new build is expected to be delivered later this year after being launched at the yard last month, with the second and third ships due for delivery in the first half of 2022.
Building for 2030 and beyond
Edvardsen said the trio represented “a giant step towards decarbonization” as using a hybrid battery solution will take UECC beyond the IMO’s target of a 40% reduction in fuel consumption. carbon intensity compared to 2008 levels by 2030. All three ships will also meet IMO targets. The Tier 3 NOx emission limits entering into force in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea from the keel are set this year.
Battery power on new vessels will improve operational efficiency and further reduce emissions through reduced peaks, in addition to managing accommodation part-load and operating ancillary equipment. This will allow them to recharge the batteries at sea using a shaft generator to use energy from the battery to maneuver in ports in accordance with port requirements to reduce emissions.
The UECC said that using LNG will reduce emissions by around 25% because the fuel emits no SOx and negligible amounts of particulates and NOx, while it is also affordable and widely available through a grid. existing bunkering. In addition, the newbuild trio will be equipped with dual-fuel engines for the main propulsion and auxiliary that will also be able to use carbon-neutral and synthetic alternative fuels as these become commercially available in the future. .
Edvardsen noted that while being good for the environment, this investment represents a business imperative as environmentally friendly vessel operations will be a key differentiator for winning freight contracts in the future shipping market due to increased pressure from regulators, port authorities and customers.
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