United European Car Carriers (UECC) has officially launched its second dual-fuel car carrier – the TBN Auto Energy following the launch of TBN Auto Eco in last April. The company has signed a contract to construct two dual fuel LNG PCTCs with 1A Super Finnish/Swedish ice class.
Both vessels were officially launched at the Nacks shipyard in Nantong, China, where they were built. They can carry approximately 3,800 standard-sized cars over 10 decks, as well as significant loads of high and heavy vehicles. They are in the 1A super Finnish/Swedish ice class and can complete a 14-day round voyage in the Baltic using solely liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the main engine and auxiliary power generation.
“It is a ground-breaking moment, seeing our second LNG PCTC [pure car and truck carrier] vessel – one of the most technically advanced PCTC has ever built – on the water,” said Thomas Ekhaugen, head of fleet and cargo handling at UECC. “After the successful launch of the sister vessel earlier, we have been looking forward to this day as well.”
With a length of 181 metres and a width of 30 metre, TBN Auto Energy will now undergo sea and gas trials before final delivery to UECC on November 28th this year, during which the vessel will test its engines using LNG fuel.
Source & Image Credit: UECC
