CONSTRUCTION has started on Pacific International Lines’ first 14,000-TEU LNG dual-fuelled containership.
A steel-cutting ceremony at China’s Jiangnan Shipyard marked the first construction milestone on the 14,000-TEU vessel.
It is the first of four of its kind PIL ordered from the shipyard in March 2022. The four ships are scheduled for delivery between the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025.
The four vessels would be the largest containerships in PIL’s fleet and the first in the fleet to run on LNG. They will also be equipped with ammonia intermediate ready fuel tanks.
PIL CEO Lars Kastrup said it has been “a number of years” since PIL has taken delivery of new ships.
“Today, we resume our fleet renewal and expansion program,” he said.
“This ship will be our first LNG dual-fuelled container ship, and it represents our commitment to sustainability and our vision for a greener and cleaner future.
“This ship, along with her three sister ships, forms part of our strategy to decarbonise our fleet and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
PIL also ordered four 8000-TEU LNG dual-fuelled vessels from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in July 2022, which are due for delivery in 2025.