Pacific International Lines (PIL) has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable shipping by successfully completing the inaugural Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering of its first LNG-powered container vessel, Kota Eagle. This historic operation took place on 26 October 2024, in collaboration with bunker supplier Shanghai SIPG Energy Service (SSES) at Yangshan Port, Shanghai.
During this ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation, the Kota Eagle, a state-of-the-art 14,000 TEU container ship, received approximately 8,000 cubic meters (cbm) of LNG from the Hai Gang Wei Lai bunkering vessel. This significant delivery underscores the growing role of LNG as a marine fuel, which offers a pragmatic solution for the shipping industry in reducing carbon emissions effectively and promptly.
The completion of this LNG bunkering operation not only showcases PIL’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices but also aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Kota Eagle, currently on her maiden voyage, is the first vessel in PIL’s fleet to operate on LNG. After this initial bunkering, the vessel is set to sail to Ningbo before embarking on a journey to Latin America as part of PIL’s West Coast Central and South America Service 2 route.
Mr. Chia Yuijn, Head of Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Marine Fuels at PIL, expressed enthusiasm about this achievement, stating, “The completion of PIL’s first LNG bunkering operation, together with our continued investments in a newbuilding programme focused exclusively on greener dual-fuel vessels, demonstrates PIL’s commitment to sustainable shipping. We believe that the expedient transition to cleaner fuels is achieved through collaboration among various stakeholders in the value chain.”
He further acknowledged the contributions of their partners, saying, “We would like to thank our suppliers, SSES, and the SIPG port group for their close coordination, which contributed to the safe and efficient operation.”
The Kota Eagle is equipped with a dual-fuel engine that utilizes LNG, complemented by various energy-saving technologies, significantly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional marine fuels.
Mr. Dai, General Manager of SSES, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The successful LNG bunkering operation for the Kota Eagle marks a significant beginning for our partnership. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with PIL. Together, we are not just powering ships but also driving towards a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.”
This inaugural LNG bunkering operation sets a precedent for future endeavors in the maritime industry, showcasing a shared commitment between PIL and SSES towards a greener and more sustainable future. As the shipping industry increasingly pivots to cleaner energy solutions, the partnership between these two companies serves as a model for how collaboration can lead to significant advancements in environmental stewardship.
About Pacific International Lines (PIL)
Founded in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is one of the world’s leading container shipping lines and the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. With a fleet of around 100 container vessels, PIL provides services to over 500 locations across key regions including Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.
The company is dedicated to delivering efficient shipping services across various products, including dry, refrigerated, breakbulk, and special cargo. By leveraging a network of owned agencies and intermodal services, PIL aims to provide end-to-end transportation solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and making a positive impact on communities worldwide.
Source Pacific International Lines (PIL)