United European Car Carriers (UECC) has signed a contract for two additional 3,000 CEU multi-fuel battery hybrid PCTCs at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing. Scheduled for delivery in early 2028, the newbuilds feature a pioneering ballast-free design and advanced fire-safety architecture optimized for electric vehicle transport. This latest order reinforces UECC’s “Sail for Change” initiative, providing a high-efficiency solution for reducing Scope 3 emissions while ensuring a compliance surplus under FuelEU Maritime regulations.
Oslo | March 3, 2026 – United European Car Carriers (UECC) has announced a significant expansion of its sustainable shipping capabilities, signing a contract for two additional multi-fuel battery hybrid Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs). The deal, finalized on March 2 with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing, underscores UECC’s aggressive push to dominate the European short sea trade with a low-carbon fleet.
The new order consists of two 3,000 CEU-capacity vessels, specifically designed to offer enhanced flexibility for UECC’s liner network. These units will join two larger 4,500 CEU sister vessels already under construction at the same yard, all of which are slated for delivery in early 2028.
Redefining Cargo Capability and Efficiency
The 3,000 CEU newbuilds are the result of a close collaboration with the Shanghai Ship Research & Design Institute (SDARI). Beyond their smaller footprint compared to the 2024 orders, these vessels represent a “step change” in maritime architecture, featuring an aerodynamic hull design and a revolutionary essentially ballast-free design that dramatically cuts fuel consumption.
“These newbuildings represent a significant step forward in safety, efficiency, and environmental performance, while redefining cargo-carrying capability in the PCTC segment,” said Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC, during the signing ceremony. “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.”
Technical Specifications & Sustainability Profile
The vessels are engineered to be “future-proof,” featuring multi-fuel LNG-driven engines paired with battery hybrid technology and shore power connectivity.
| Feature | Specification |
| Capacity | 3,000 CEU |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 169.5 meters |
| Decks | 9 decks (Market-leading main deck height) |
| Ramp Capacity | 160-ton quarter stern ramp |
| Propulsion | Multi-fuel LNG with battery hybrid ESS |
| Key Innovation | Ballast-free design & real-time emissions monitoring |
The deck configuration is specifically tailored to capture “out-of-segment” cargo. Edvardsen noted that the increased deck strength and height will enable the transport of substantially larger High & Heavy (H&H) units and project cargo that standard PCTCs often cannot accommodate.
A “Safety-First” Architecture
A standout feature of the new order is the focus on enhanced safety management, particularly regarding the transport of dangerous goods and electric vehicles (EVs).
“Safety has been a defining priority in the vessel’s development,” Edvardsen explained. The design includes a robust safety architecture with:
- Strengthened fire containment zones.
- Integrated enhanced monitoring and detection systems.
- Advanced response capabilities to address the evolving fire-risk profiles of modern cargo.
“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,” Edvardsen added.
Digitalization and Regulatory Lead
The ships will be integrated into a digital framework that provides real-time data on environmental performance and situational awareness. According to Edvardsen, this transparency is vital for customers looking to verify their Scope 3 emissions reductions.
By the time these four newbuilds are delivered, UECC will operate a total of nine dual-fuel LNG and multi-fuel battery hybrid PCTCs delivered since 2016. All these vessels are capable of running on liquefied biomethane (LBM), allowing UECC to maintain a compliance surplus under FuelEU Maritime and minimize costs associated with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
Walking the Talk on Decarbonization
The investment comes as more automotive giants, including Toyota, Ford, and Renault, join UECC’s “Sail for Change” initiative, which uses bioLNG to achieve carbon-neutral transport.
“We are making another major investment in vessel capacity in response to increasing demand for sustainable, efficient, and flexible marine transport,” Edvardsen concluded. “With our innovative fleet renewal program, we are realizing our ambitious environmental goals while taking a leading role in the decarbonization of shipping.”
About UECC
United European Car Carriers (UECC) is a leading provider of sustainable shortsea transportation services for cars and other rolling cargo in Europe. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the company operates a fleet of eco-friendly vessels, including dual-fuel LNG and hybrid battery-powered PCTCs. UECC is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 while advancing sustainable practices in the shipping industry. UECC’s headquarters are based in Oslo, Norway, with subsidiary companies and branch offices around Europe.
Source: United European Car Carriers