United European Car Carriers (UECC) is further expanding its fleet of eco-friendly pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) with the order of two additional multi-fuel battery hybrid newbuilds at a Chinese shipyard that will boost its cargo-carrying capacity and flexibility in the European short sea trade.
The latest newbuilding contract is for a pair of 3000 CEU-capacity PCTCs to be constructed at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing where the European sustainable ro-ro carrier already has on order two larger 4500 CEU units with similar specifications that are due for delivery in 2028.
UECC CEO Glenn Edvardsen said: “These newbuildings represent a significant step forward in safety, efficiency and environmental performance, while redefining cargo-carrying capability in the PCTC segment. This is an important milestone both in strengthening the sustainability and capability of our fleet, as well as our partnership with China Merchants Jinling, a premium shipyard with strong credentials in delivering high-quality, innovative vessels.”
The latest newbuildings, developed in close cooperation with Shanghai Ship Research & Design Institute (SDARI), will incorporate multi-fuel LNG-driven engines with up-to-date propulsion technologies to optimise energy efficiency, and an aerodynamic hull design to minimise fuel consumption. They will have shore power capability.
Edvardsen added: “Pioneering design, innovative thinking and future-proofing are at the core of our sustainable newbuilding strategy. Safety has been a defining priority in the vessel’s development. The design is intended not only to meet current regulatory requirements, but also to address evolving fire-risk profiles and align with the direction of future safety standards.”
The vessels, scheduled for delivery early in 2028, will feature an essentially ballast-free design that is intended to support exceptionally low fuel consumption. They will be equipped with real-time emissions monitoring capabilities, supporting increased transparency and continuous insight into environmental performance.
They will incorporate nine decks with a quarter stern ramp capacity of 160t and LOA of 169.5m, giving the PCTCs flexibility to handle a range of vehicles, high & heavy (H&H) and other rolling cargoes on UECC’s European short sea shipping liner network where they will be deployed.
Edvardsen said: “With a deck configuration and a main deck that is market leading in terms height combined with increased deck strength, enabling the transport of substantially larger H&H units and project cargo than is typically possible for a PCTC, positioning the vessel to capture cargo traditionally outside the segment’s reach.”
The newbuild PCTCs will also be supported by an integrated digital framework designed to enhance operational insight and decision-making.
According to Edvardsen: “Advanced monitoring and data capabilities contribute to improved performance management, situational awareness and lifecycle optimisation. Together, these digital solutions support safer, more efficient and transparent operations across the vessels’ service life.”
With four newbuilds now on order, UECC will ultimately have a total of nine dual-fuel LNG and multi-fuel battery hybrid PCTCs – delivered from 2016 onwards – that are capable of running on liquefied biomethane (LBM). The latest newbuilds are designed with adaptability to accommodate future technological innovations and new alternative fuels as these become available.
Vehicle manufacturers have been able to achieve major savings in Scope 3 emissions through participation in UECC’s Sail for Change initiative, in which LBM (or bioLNG) is being bunkered on its PCTC fleet. With the use of biofuels on its other vessels, UECC is able to run a compliance surplus under FuelEU Maritime, while minimising exposure to the EU ETS.
Edvardsen concluded: “We are making another major investment in vessel capacity in response to increasing demand for sustainable, efficient and flexible marine transport, reinforcing our commitment to operate one of the most advanced and eco-friendly fleets in this segment to enhance environmental performance for the benefit of our customers. With our innovative fleet renewal programme, we are realising our ambitious environmental goals while taking a leading role in decarbonisation of shipping.”
Image: UECC has ordered two more eco-friendly PCTCs, a smaller version of the vessels previously ordered from China Merchants Jinling (source: UECC)
