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UECC to build up to four multi-fuel battery-hybrid newbuilds
Norwegian owner to expand fleet with up to four new pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs)
United European Car Carriers (UECC) has signed a contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing to build up to four, advanced, multi-fuel, battery-hybrid PCTCs.
The newbuild order is for two firm vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028, with options for two more, and represents a significant fleet expansion for the Norwegian shortsea roro carrier.
UECC said if the options are exercised, it will bring the number of eco-friendly newbuilds in the company fleet to nine vessels, noting five similar deliveries within the past decade.
These vessels will represent another leap in technology for UECC, with multi-fuel LNG-driven engines incorporating state-of-the-art propulsion technologies to optimise energy efficiency, and an aerodynamic hull design, which has undergone extensive model testing, to minimise fuel consumption and build shore power capability with solar panels installed on the top deck.
The cargo carrier segment continues to clock newbuilding orders and other PCTC orders have also focused on newer technology. One of the segment’s most notable contracts is China Merchants Jingling building 12 methanol dual-fuel ammonia-ready PCTCs for Wallenius Wilhelmsen, with deliveries set for mid-2026 and extending into 2028.
Future-proof newbuilds
UECC’s latest newbuilds will sport an extended cargo capacity of 4,500 CEU, with 10 decks, two of which are hoistable, together with a quarter stern ramp capacity of 160 tonnes and LOA of 190 m. These ships will be deployed into UECC’s European shortsea shipping liner network moving vehicles, high, heavy and other rolling cargoes.
“These PCTCs are designed with advanced technologies to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, while being adaptable to accommodate future innovations and regulatory changes,” said UECC chief executive Glenn Edvardsen after the online signing ceremony.
UECC believes the new technology ensures operations can be continuously optimised as new fuels and technologies are matured to further enhance the environmental efficiency of the fleet to keep up with more stringent regulatory requirements.
The Norwegian carrier said its existing multi-fuel LNG battery-hybrid vessels, Auto Advance, Auto Achieve and Auto Aspire, “currently exceed” IMO’s target for a minimum 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, adding it has been able to achieve a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions by using LNG on these and two other dual-fuel LNG vessels, Auto Eco and Auto Energy, delivered earlier. UECC claims its fleet is “already running a compliance surplus in relation to FuelEU Maritime” rules, which are set to be implemented next year.
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