UECC goes for third battery hybrid LNG PCTC

This latest vessel is slated for UECC’s Atlantic short sea trade. UECC claims that this option follows closely on the heels of the company’s call for two new battery hybrid LNG pure car truck carriers (PCTC).

Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC, said: “This order is another step in our commitment to cleaner shipping.

“Our experience with LNG duel-fuel vessels has been good, and we want to keep moving forward to expand our sustainable fleet.”

According to the statement, UECC’s first two ECO-class vessels grabbed first and second place in Bremenports’ Greenports Award 2018 for being cleanest ships calling at one of Europe's busiest ports. With the addition of battery hybrid technology, the three new ships raise the environmental protection bar even further.

UECC claims that the new orders will increase the company’s dual-fuel LNG fleet to a total of five vessels.

Edvardsen said: “When our third battery hybrid LNG PCTC is delivered in 2022, it ushers in a new era for UECC and short sea shipping in Europe.

“That will give us a total of five eco-friendly vessels in our fleet. This represents more than 50% of the UECC owned fleet, and no other short sea company, or deep sea for that matter, can demonstrate such a sustainable fleet.

“A ship is a significant and long-term investment. We wanted to expand the use of new technologies to meet or exceed future sustainability requirements, and we feel our choice with the first two LNG vessels has been justified over nearly three years of operation. This experience gives us the confidence to move forward with even more eco-friendly technologies.”

According to the statement, the new battery-hybrid solution will take UECC beyond the International Maritime Organization (IMO) target of 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030. In addition to this, the three vessels will also meet the IMO Tier 3 NOx emissions limitations entering into force in the Baltic and North Sea from 2021 keel lays.

Edvardsen also noted that the battery power on these new vessels will improve operational efficiency and further reduce emissions through peak shaving, in addition to handling partial accommodation load and driving auxiliary equipment.

He said: “Batteries are a key step toward next generation sustainability.

“It also provides an option for reducing emissions while in port, and that is becoming more important for many cities.

“UECC’s parent companies, NYK and Wallenius Lines, have sustainability in their DNA.

“It is an honour to be able to take UECC to the next level of clean shipping with their support.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/02102019/uecc-goes-for-third-battery-hybrid-lng-pctc/