Pacific International Lines (PIL) is set to enhance its fleet with the recent order of five additional 9,000 TEU liquefied natural gas – LNG dual-fuel container vessels. The vessels will be constructed by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., LTD, one of China’s premier shipbuilders, with anticipated delivery dates stretching into 2027 and 2028.
The 9,000 TEU container vessels will bring the company’s newbuild vessels ordered since 2022 to 18.
These new 9,000 TEU vessels are engineered with advanced cargo stowage solutions that will notably improve PIL’s service efficiency. Designed for sustainability, these ships will not only be powered by LNG but will also have the capability to operate on bio-methane, which represents one of the lowest emission fuels currently available in the shipping sector.
Mr. Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, emphasized the significance of this order, stating, “With 18 newbuild vessels ordered in the last couple of years, PIL is demonstrating our commitment to renew, expand, and modernise our fleet. Our aim is to replace up to half our fleet in the next decade with modern new ships and charters. These ships are a significant step towards our green shipping goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, while increasing operational and cost efficiencies, improving services to our customers as well as enhancing the welfare of our crew.”
Earlier this year, in August, PIL had also placed an order for five LNG dual-fuel container vessels with a capacity of 13,000 TEU from Hudong-Zhonghua. Consistent with previous orders, these new vessels will incorporate the latest digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This will facilitate real-time monitoring and the automation of various operations, thereby improving route planning and cargo management for enhanced reliability in service.
The new vessels are designed to fully comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new builds and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). They will feature numerous energy-saving innovations, such as a streamlined hull design, variable-frequency drive (VFD) motors, shaft generators, energy-efficient LED lighting, and advanced hull coatings.
With this latest acquisition, PIL has now ordered a total of 18 newbuild vessels since 2022, which includes four 14,000 TEU vessels, four 8,000 TEU vessels, five 13,000 TEU vessels, and five 9,000 TEU vessels. Notably, two of the 14,000 TEU vessels, Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald, were named in a ceremony on 15 October 2024. The Kota Eagle has already embarked on its maiden voyage, serving the West Coast Central and South America Service 2 in late October 2024.
About Pacific International Lines (PIL)
Pacific International Lines (PIL) ranks among the top 12 container shipping lines globally. Founded in Singapore in 1967, PIL stands as the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. PIL operates in over 500 locations worldwide, focusing on regions such as Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands. With a fleet of approximately 100 container vessels, PIL offers comprehensive shipping services and solutions across more than 90 countries.
The company specializes in various cargo types, including dry, refrigerated, breakbulk, and special cargo. Leveraging its network of owned agencies and intermodal services, PIL delivers end-to-end transportation solutions that create value for its customers. At PIL, a people-centric approach prioritizes customer needs, utilizing expertise and technology to provide efficient and sustainable shipping solutions. The company is dedicated to sustainability and aims to positively impact the communities it serves, guided by a vision focused on the future.
Source PIL Singapore