THE LATEST stage of Singapore’s Pacific International Lines’ fleet renewal program activated yesterday [23 June] with the simultaneous naming of two 13,000 TEU ships in China.
The LNG dual-fuel cvessels, Kota Elok and Kota Elan, were named at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai by Ms Chan Wai Ching, chief corporate officer of Temasek International, Ms Yan Zi, a former tennis Olympic bronze medallist and Grand Slam champion in doubles.
Also in attendance were Mr Lars Kastrup, PIL’s CEO; Mr Eng Aik Meng, PIL’s Board Director; Mr Chen Jianliang, Chairman of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group; and Mr Li Wucheng, Director of Shandong Port Group Container Operations Centre.
The name Kota Elok, meaning “beautiful city” in Malay, reflects both the grace and elegance of the vessel, and the vibrant ports and communities she will connect, PIL says. Kota Elan, derived from the word “élan”, represents dynamism, vitality and forward momentum—symbolising the vessel’s role in enabling global trade flows with energy and purpose.
L to R: Mr Eng Aik Meng, PIL Board Director; Mr Chen Jianliang, Chairman of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group; Ms Yan Zi, Lady Sponsor of Kota Elan;
Ms Chan Wai Ching, Lady Sponsor of Kota Elok; Mr Lars Kastrup, PIL CEO and Mr Abhishek Chawla, PIL Chief Marine Officer
The sisterships are the first in a series of 13 new 13,000 TEU ships designed to elevate PIL’s operational capabilities. They form a key part of the company’s broader fleet renewal strategy, aimed at modernising its vessels, increasing competitiveness and growing capacity while enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Kota Elok and Kota Elan will be deployed on PIL’s service connecting Asia and South America, a key trade corridor experiencing strong and sustained growth. Their introduction enables PIL to better support increasing cargo demand while facilitating smoother and more efficient trade flows between the two regions and improves PIL’s operating efficiencies across the network, the carriers says.
Both ships are equipped to operate on LNG as well as low-sulphur fuel oil, allowing for meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Their deployment reinforces PIL’s commitment to sustainable shipping and its long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The vessels incorporate a suite of advanced technological and energy-saving features, including an optimised hull form to improve hydrodynamic performance, energy-efficient systems and premium hull coatings that reduce fuel consumption.
Both vessels are also equipped with digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, to enhance operational performance and enable greater automation onboard.
Kota Elok further features a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.
PIL says that beyond operational performance, the vessels have been designed with seafarers in mind, offering a safe, modern and comfortable onboard environment that supports crew wellbeing and welfare.