UECC boosts use of LNG
The Norway-based shipping company United European Car Carriers (UECC) has confirmed the option for the construction of a third hybrid car carrier powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and batteries of the ECO class.
After the two orders recently signed with the Chinese shipyards China Ship Building Trading and Jiangnan Shipyard Group, the delivery of this new vessel is scheduled for 2022 and will be destined for short-distance traffic of said shipping company in the Atlantic.
According to the shipping company, the combination of batteries with LNG as a hybrid solution will allow UECC to meet the IMO emissions target by 2030, which implies a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per transport unit of at least 40% on average.
The three vessels will also meet the Tier III requirements for nitrogen oxides emissions that will enter into force in the Baltic and North Sea for ships whose construction begins in 2021. In 2022, the year planned for the delivery of the new vessel, UECC will have five ecological vessels that will account for more than 50% of company-owned fleet. (fd)