United European Car Carriers (UECC) is capitalizing on its strategic investments in alternative fuels, aiming to surpass its 45% emissions reduction target by 2030.
As the company informs in a statement, in 2023, UECC more than doubled its biofuel usage, reaching 14,000 metric tons, up from 6,500 metric tons in 2022. This increase, along with the addition of five LNG-fueled newbuilds, led to a substantial reduction in emissions, cutting over 60,000 tonnes of CO2, with biofuels accounting for 40,000 tonnes of this reduction.
UECC’s efforts align with the new EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), with 85% of its fleet achieving a C-rating. The company is also ahead of the FuelEU Maritime regulation’s target of a 14.5% reduction in GHG intensity by 2035.
The fleet’s performance has been enhanced by eco-friendly newbuilds, including dual-fuel LNG vessels and multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid units, which collectively reduce emissions of CO2, SOx, particulate matter, and NOx significantly.
Looking forward, UECC plans to source carbon-neutral fuels like bio-LNG and e-LNG, further improving its environmental footprint. Since 2020, UECC has expanded its biofuels program, initially piloting with the vessel Autosky and growing with support from clients and partners such as BMW and GoodFuels. By 2023, green fuels covered 30% of its fleet, with a target of 50% coverage in 2024 and an ambitious goal of 80% by 2030.
UECC’s proactive approach includes collaborating with biofuel supplier ACT Group to test innovative biofuels like Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)-based FS.100.
UECC has sought to take a leading role through early-stage analysis of new biofuels to evaluate their potential in terms of technical suitability, sustainability and commercial viability, both to deliver the best solution for our customers and give the sector a blueprint for assessment and adoption of such fuels.
… said Energy and Sustainability Manager, Daniel Gent
