United European Car Carriers (UECC) have launched TBN AUTO ECO, a dual-fuel LNG pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), built to LR class. This vessel is the first of its kind ordered with an LNG fuel propulsion system.
A formal launching ceremony for TBN AUTO ECO took place at NACKS shipyard in Nantong, China on 14 April 2016. This is the first of two LR classed dual-fuel LNG PCTCs with 1A Super Finnish/Swedish ice class.
Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC, commented: "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.
"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 built," he added.
The next milestones for the ship will be sea trials and gas trials, where her dual-fuel capabilities will be put to the test and her engines will run solely on LNG. TBN AUTO ECO is then scheduled to be delivered to UECC on 28 September 2016 in Nantong, China.
UECC is jointly owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Line.
