Pacific International Lines (PIL) is accelerating the renewal of its fleet with an order for an additional five 9,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels. The ships will be built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China, with delivery anticipated in 2027 and 2028.

This latest order follows a similar purchase by PIL in August this year, when the company ordered five 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, also from Hudong-Zhonghua. Like these earlier orders, the new vessels will feature the latest digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities for real-time monitoring and task automation.

The new vessels have been designed with highly optimised cargo stowage features to significantly boost PIL’s service capabilities. In addition to LNG capability, the ships can transition to bio-methane, further aligning with PIL’s green objectives. All vessels will fully comply with the IMO Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new builds and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). The vessels will include energy-saving measures such as streamlined hull designs, variable-frequency drive (VFD) motors, shaft generators, energy-efficient LED lighting, and superior hull coatings.

With this latest order, PIL has commissioned a total of 18 newbuild vessels since 2022, including four 14,000 TEU, four 8,000 TEU, five 13,000 TEU, and five 9,000 TEU ships. Two of the 14,000 TEU vessels, Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald, were named during a ceremony on 15 October 2024.

“By ordering 18 newbuild vessels in the past few years, PIL is demonstrating its commitment to renewing, expanding, and modernising our fleet,” said PIL CEO, Lars Kastrup. “Our goal is to replace up to half of our fleet in the coming decade with modern new ships and charters. These new vessels represent a significant step towards our green shipping objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while enhancing operational and cost efficiencies, improving customer service, and boosting crew welfare.”

The signing ceremony for five 9,000 TEU vessels / Credit: PIL