COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers launches maiden voyage of 7,500 CEU LNG dual-fuel RoRo ships
On July 10, 2024, the inaugural 7,500 CEU LNG dual-fuel RoRo ship from COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers was named for its maiden voyage. The newly launched vessel, LIAO HE KOU, is set to embark on its journey carrying over 5,000 commercial vehicles, while its sister ship, MIN JIANG KOU, will also transport more than 4,800 commercial vehicles following the completion of loading operations in Shanghai.
Since the beginning of 2022, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers, a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING, alongside its joint venture, Guangzhou Yuanhai Automobile Shipping Co., has ordered 24 state-of-the-art, large-scale LNG dual-fuel RoRo ships with capacities ranging from 7,000 to 8,600 parking spaces. This strategic move establishes a substantial, cutting-edge, and environmentally friendly professional automobile fleet, highlighted a release.
Each ship measures 199.9 metres in total length and 38 metres in width, boasting an endurance of 12,000 nautical miles. The propulsion system of these ships is innovatively designed with a single engine and propeller configuration, employing an LNG dual-fuel main engine, a single-bow thruster, and an electric RoRo system—all of which are leading performance indicators in China. With 13 vehicle decks and 7,500 standard parking spots, including four rise-and-fall decks, these vessels can accommodate a variety of vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, and engineering machinery vehicles.
According to the delivery plan, the second half of this year will see the phased delivery and operation of 5 new ships; next year, 11 more ships are expected to be delivered, followed by an additional 6 ships by 2026. By then, a professional automobile fleet comprising approximately 30 ships will have been established, capable of handling an annual transportation volume of 700,000 vehicles, 80% of which will be powered by clean energy.
The automotive and shipping industries are increasingly focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers is at the forefront of this green transformation, with all newly constructed car carriers being LNG dual-fuel vessels.
The innovative 7,500-space LNG dual-fuel RoRo vessels have been designed to meet the stringent International Maritime Organization’s TIER III emission standards. They incorporate numerous advanced green environmental protection technologies and will significantly conserve energy and reduce emissions during operation.
Besides, COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers is fully committed to digitally empowering the industrial chain, by building a comprehensive digital platform, and achieving full-chain digitalisation, the release added.
Source : Our Correspondent