Kota Ebony: PIL Welcomes Third 14,000 TEU LNG Dual-Fuel Containership

Kota Ebony, a state-of-the-art 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel containership, has been successfully delivered to Singapore-based shipping company Pacific International Lines (PIL). This new addition marks a significant milestone in PIL’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices.

The vessel, constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard in China, is part of a series of four 14,000 TEU containerships designed to operate on LNG, showcasing PIL’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kota Ebony, our third 14K vessel to our fleet. These efficient dual-fuel vessels enable us to further bolster our services and support the growing trade between China and Latin America. The first two sister ships, Kota Eagle and Kota Emerald, were delivered in October and December last year, and are already operating successfully on our Latin America service network. We are now proud to add Kota Ebony to reinforce the East Coast Latin America service,” said Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL.

“Our fourth 14K TEU vessel is expected in the coming months, and will be joined by another 14 dual-fuel, biomethane-capable vessels which will be delivered progressively over 2025 and the subsequent years. This significant investment represents PIL’s ongoing efforts at fleet renewal as well as our unwavering commitment to making shipping more environmentally sustainable as we chart our way to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

The 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel ships are equipped with GTT’s Mark III LNG containment system and incorporate various energy-saving technologies such as hull coatings, an optimized hull form, and variable frequency drive motors, ensuring optimal efficiency in operations.

Furthermore, these vessels utilize cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance automation, monitoring, and route planning through PIL’s Centre for Maritime Efficiency, setting new standards for operational excellence in the maritime industry.

With a total of 18 newbuild vessels on order since 2022, PIL’s commitment to modernizing its fleet extends beyond the 14,000 TEU series. The company has also invested in the construction of four 8,000 TEU, five 13,000 TEU, and five 9,000 TEU vessels, reaffirming its position as a leader in sustainable shipping practices.