Keel-laying for third UECC LNG/hybrid PCTC

The first vessel is due for delivery later this year after being launched at the yard last month, with the second and third due for delivery in the first half of 2022.

“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 drastically cut emissions on short sea shipping in Europe,” said UECC chief executive Glenn Edvardsen.

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

The use of LNG will reduce emissions by around 25% and the 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.

The PCTCs have an overall length of 169 metres, a width of 28 metres and a car carrying capacity of 3,600 units on ten cargo decks. The addition of the three newbuilds brings UECC’s tally of eco-friendly vessels to five out of its ten-vessel fleet, including two dual-fuel LNG-powered PCTCs already on the water.