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

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) on Monday (22 June) said it has recently classed CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, the first vessel in CMA CGM’s series of 24,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel ultra-large container ships (ULCS) built by Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Yangzi Xinfu).

The vessel was delivered in May, marking a significant step forward for Chinese shipbuilding in the construction of next-generation ULCS.

As the lead vessel in the series being constructed for CMA CGM at Yangzi Xinfu, CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is among the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly ULCS currently in operation. 

Measuring 399.9 meters in length and 61.3 meters in width, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 24,092 standard containers. Its LNG duel-fuel system is designed to significantly reduce emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide during operation, supporting the industry’s transition toward a lower-carbon future.

The 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship is one of the most technically complex vessel types in global shipbuilding. During the design phase, BV’s technical team worked closely with the shipyard and designers, conducting reviews of multiple key design aspects including general arrangement and structural reinforcement. 

Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS) led the hull form optimization work, contributing to enhanced cargo capacity and energy efficiency while helping ensure safety. BVS also conducted a dedicated safety risk assessment of the fuel tank arrangement, supporting compliance with the stringent international rules and safety standards.

During construction and commissioning, BV’s site surveyors provided inspection of critical processes including large thin-plate welding and the installation and alignment of the extra-long shafting system. In addition, the team conducted installation inspections and functional testing of the vessel’s LNG fuel storage, handling, and fuel gas supply system (FGSS) in strict accordance with BV Rules, helping ensure the safety and reliability of its core propulsion system.

To date, more than 200 vessels in the CMA CGM fleet are classed by BV, with over 50 more vessels currently under construction with BV class, including a significant number of green vessels such as LNG dual-fuel and methanol-powered ships.

Photo credit: Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Published: 24 June, 2026

Nordic biomethane company St1 Biokraft on Monday (22 June) said it is supplying liquefied biogas (bio-LNG) to Destination Gotland’s ferry operations during the summer and Almedalen Week 2026. 

This is the first time St1 Biokraft has supplied Destination Gotland, and the first time the company can supply a share of Swedish-produced biogas to shipping and to Destination Gotland.

Through the delivery, St1 Biokraft is beginning a collaboration with Destination Gotland and taking an important step in supplying Swedish-produced liquefied biogas to shipping. The delivery corresponds to renewable fuel for around 30 one-way crossings between Visby and Nynäshamn, of which a share is Swedish-produced biogas. The Swedish-produced part corresponds to around 10 crossings.

“We are pleased to begin this new collaboration with Destination Gotland, and it is particularly positive that part of the volume is Swedish-produced. This is a milestone for us, as it is the first time we can supply biogas to shipping in the Baltic Sea. Swedish production capacity is still being built up, but our ambition is to increase our own capacity so that, in future, we can supply only Swedish gas to this type of customer,” said Sohrab Moshiri, Head of Sales, St1 Biokraft.

“We are continuously working to reduce emissions from our operations, and we are very pleased to have purchased large volumes of BioLNG ahead of Almedalen Week and the summer season. It is especially positive that a large share of the order is Swedish-produced, thereby contributing to a local supply for our energy needs,” said Adam Jacobsson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Destination Gotland.

The delivery is being carried out in cooperation with Avenir, which is responsible for bunkering the vessels in the port of Visby. Bio-LNG is produced from organic residual materials from society and can be used as a renewable alternative in areas such as heavy transport, industry and shipping.

Photo credit: Destination Gotland
Published: 24 June, 2026