Pacific International Lines (PIL) has officially named its first 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel containership, Kota Oasis, at a ceremony at the Yangzijiang Shipbuilding yard in China.
The naming was conducted by Cindy Chang, the wife of PIL’s Deputy Chairman, Peter Chang.
Kota Oasis is the first of four 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels ordered by PIL from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. These vessels, part of the “O” Class series, are a key element of PIL’s long-term strategy to enhance fleet sustainability, operational efficiency, and network deployment.
READ: PSA, DNV, PIL collaborate on green and sustainable supply chains
Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Kota Oasis to our fleet. This vessel represents another significant milestone in our journey towards sustainability and operational excellence.
“As the first Asian container shipping line to invest in LNG dual-fuel ships in 2022, we made a bold commitment towards reducing our environmental footprint and achieving our net zero emissions target by 2050.”
READ: PIL completes bunkering of its first LNG dual-fuel containership
The “O” Class vessels are designed to be powered by LNG, with the added capability to use bio-methane fuels.
They are equipped with WinGD’s XDF engines featuring Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling, which reduces methane emissions. Additionally, the vessels are ammonia intermediate-ready.
Kota Oasis is PIL’s fifth LNG-powered vessel, joining four 14,000 TEU LNG vessels delivered in recent months. The company has a further 13 LNG dual-fuel vessels on order, set to be delivered over the coming years.
In line with the industry’s growing shift towards LNG-powered vessels, ZIM recently announced long-term charters for 10 of its 11,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships, worth an estimated $2.3 billion. Seven of these vessels will be chartered from Containers Ventures Holdings Inc., a TMS Group affiliate, while the remaining three will come from a shipping company linked to Kenon Holdings, ZIM’s largest shareholder until 2024.
