A formal launching ceremony for the first of the two vessels being built for United European Car Carriers (UECC), jointly owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Lines, took place at the NACKS shipyard in Nantong, China 14.04.2016. TBN AUTO ECO, the world’s first dual-fuel Pure Car/Truck Carrier (PCTC), was completed according to the project plan following first steel cutting in late 2015.
“It is such a magnificent moment seeing TBN AUTO ECO afloat. We have all been looking forward to this day to see her on the water for the first time. I am extremely proud and grateful for the dedication and hard work put in by the entire team to make this happen, especially on schedule,” said Mr. Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC.
“It is a privilege to be present here at NACKS today to witness the launching of one of the finest and most technically advanced PCTC vessel ever build,” Edvardsen concluded.
The use of LNG significantly reduces CO² and nitrogen oxide (NO²) emissions, as well as almost eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate emissions.
The next milestones for TBN AUTO ECO are the Sea Trial and Gas Trial, when her engines will commence operations using LNG fuel. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered to UECC on 28 September 2016 in Nantong, China, her sister ship shortly thereafter.
Each vessel is capable of transporting up to 3,800 vehicles, depending on load configuration.
(Source: UECC)
