Shipping company UECC has strengthened its sustainable fleet of pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels with the delivery of a second multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid new-build.
Constructed at the Jiangnan Shipyard in China, the PCTC – named Auto Achieve – was delivered on June 13, 2022. The vessel’s sustainable propulsion system consists of combining the multi-fuel LNG engines with battery hybrid capability. The solution was developed by UECC, the DNV and Jiangnan’s in-house ship designer, Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute.
The multi-fuel engines will enable a carbon dioxide emissions reduction of approximately 25%, SOx and particulate matter by 90%, and NOx by 85% when using LNG. The engines can also be adapted to run on low-carbon fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels when they become available in the future.
To increase the Auto Achieve’s sustainability credentials, battery power can be utilized to further reduce emissions through peak shaving. The battery system can also handle partial accommodation load and driving auxiliary equipment, while continuing to boost operational efficiency.
“UECC has taken a progressive approach to curbing its environmental footprint with these new-builds 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, UECC.
The second of the three new multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid vessels will also meet the IMO Tier 3 NOx emissions limitations which have come into force in the Baltic Sea and North Sea.
“No other shortsea or deep-sea operator can demonstrate such a sustainable fleet. UECC has been a first mover for green operations in the car carrier segment and is now benefiting from this proactive strategy by realizing significant fuel efficiency gains and emission reductions,” said Edvardsen.
“Our investment in these new-builds was based on our ethical belief in the need for decarbonization of shipping to make a difference for the environment, given the industry’s high level of emissions relative to other sectors.
“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.”
Upon entering service, the vessel will aid in reducing emissions for the environmentally focused ro-ro carrier in the European shortsea trade where it is scheduled to join its sister vessel, the Auto Advance, which was also delivered by the Chinese shipyard in late 2021.