Rhys BerryUnited European Car Carriers (UECC) has taken delivery of its second multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Auto Achieve.
Built at China’s Jiangnan Shipyard, the vessel will join sister ship Auto Advance, which was delivered from the Chinese yard late last year.
‘UECC has taken a progressive approach to curbing its environmental footprint with these newbuilds that are the first PCTCs to adopt this innovative technological solution, which is based on stringent design criteria for energy efficiency,’ said Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC.
The company will have a total of five eco-friendly vessels – over 50% of its owned fleet of nine PCTCs – when the third and final newbuild in the series, the TBN Auto Aspire, is delivered later this year. UECC says 80% of its total lifting capacity will meet or exceed the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) target to cut carbon intensity by 40% within 2030.
‘Our investment in these newbuilds was based on our ethical belief in the need for decarbonisation of shipping to make a difference for the environment, given the industry’s high level of emissions relative to other sectors,’ said Edvardsen.
‘UECC’s decision has since been vindicated as increasing regulatory and market pressure for green operations have demonstrated the value of this future-oriented investment.’
In April, ship.energy spoke with UECC’s Energy & Sustainability Manager, Daniel Gent, about the effect regulation – specifically the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) – was likely to have on demand for marine biofuel. Click here to read the full interview.
Ariane Morrissey
