Newbuilding

Singapore-based PIL names 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels in Shanghai

Both “Kota Elok” and “Kota Elan” are equipped to operate on LNG as well as low-sulphur fuel oil and will be deployed on PIL’s service connecting Asia and South America.

Published

2 months ago

June 24, 2026

Admin

Singapore-based PIL names 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels in Shanghai

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines (PIL) on Tuesday (23 June) said it marked a significant milestone in its fleet renewal programme with the twin naming ceremony of its newest 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, Kota Elok and Kota Elan, at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.

Kota Elok was named by Ms Chan Wai Ching, Chief Corporate Officer of Temasek International, while Kota Elan was named by 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.

Built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd, the two vessels 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.

Both ships are equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as low-sulphur fuel oil, allowing for meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, said: “The naming of Kota Elok and Kota Elan highlights the acceleration in PIL’s journey to modernise our fleet and strengthen our position in key trade lanes. These vessels will enable us to meet growing trade demand, expand capacity and deliver greater efficiency for our customers.”

“At the same time, they reflect our continued commitment to sustainability. By investing in LNG dual-fuel technology and advanced vessel designs, we are taking meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint and achieving our net zero ambitions.”

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.

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 24 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

Bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

Published

1 day ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

South Korean shipowner Polaris Shipping recently said it has signed a newbuilding contract for four tri-fuel vessels with Chinese shipbuilder Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry on 4 August.

The 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

The vessels are also designed as LNG- and ammonia-ready ships, allowing them to be converted to LNG or ammonia propulsion in the future.

Polaris Shipping also plans to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by applying various energy-saving technologies, including wind-assist propulsion systems, rotor sails, departure optimisation and land-based systems, to the vessels.

Polaris Shipping has completed a 25-year long-term charter contract for the bulk carriers with Brazilian iron ore producer Vale.

Polaris Shipping plans to sign construction contracts for up to four additional 210,000-dwt eco-friendly Newcastlemax bulk carriers with Chinese shipbuilder Hengli Heavy Industries in the near future. The Newcastlemax bulk carriers ordered from Hengli will be built as high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels to replace the company’s existing older bulk carriers.

Photo credit: Polaris Shipping
Published: 13 August, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Somtrans launches new 20,000 cbm LNG bunkering barge in China

Barge is now one step closer to joining Somtrans’ fleet in January next year and beginning its journey at sea.

Published

4 days ago

August 11, 2026

Admin

Somtrans launches new 20,000 cbm LNG bunkering barge

Tanker shipping company Somtrans on Saturday (8 August) said its new 20,000 m³ LNG bunkering barge has successfully been launched at China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co Ltd (CIMC SOE).

The company said the barge is now one step closer to joining its fleet in January next year and beginning its journey at sea.

“From the first plans to seeing the barge enter the water, this project has involved years of expertise, teamwork and dedication from many people,” it said in a social media post.

Separately, RensenDriessen Shipbuilding, which acted as a broker in the project, said the vessel was built by CIMC SOE, with newbuilding supervision carried out by EXMAR.

Photo credit: Somtrans
Published: 11 August, 2026

Methanol

COSCO Shipping deploys methanol-ready grain carrier on South America-China routes

“Guo Liang Hai” is equipped with a smart management system, low-carbon design features and a methanol-ready fuel interface, supporting future energy transition pathways.

Published

1 week ago

August 7, 2026

Admin

COSCO Shipping deploys methanol-ready grain carrier on South America-China routes

COSCO Shipping on Thursday (6 August) said a methanol-ready 80,000 DWT multi-purpose grain carrier, GUO LIANG HAI, has officially been delivered and entered service.

At nearly 230 metres in length, Guo Liang Hai is equipped with a smart management system, low-carbon design features and a methanol-ready fuel interface, supporting future energy transition pathways.

“As the sixth vessel in its series, she is part of the world’s first 80,000 DWT vessel class specifically designed for grain transportation. But grain is only part of the story,” the company said in a social media post.

The company said the vessel combines the efficiency of a bulk carrier with the flexibility of a multi-purpose ship.

In addition to commodities such as soybeans, maize and wheat, it can also transport grain and dry bulk cargo, containers, wind power equipment, rolling stock and rail equipment, new energy vehicles and large-scale industrial machinery.

“Already deployed on routes between South America and China, vessels in this series create value in both directions, carrying agricultural imports while supporting exports of Chinese-made equipment and technology,” the company added.

Photo credit: COSCO Shipping
Published: 7 August, 2026