UK-Based Zodiac Maritime Welcomes New LNG-Powered Car Carrier
UK-based shipping company Zodiac Maritime has recently taken delivery of its latest 7,000 CEU dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) constructed by China’s Yantai CIMC Raffles Shipyard (CIMC Raffles).
The newly delivered vessel, utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as one of its primary fuels, completed sea trials before being handed over to Zodiac Maritime. This car carrier represents the ninth unit in a series of ten ships to be delivered by CIMC Raffles to the shipping company.
By utilizing LNG as a fuel source, the PCTC is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), with potential emission reductions of 20-30% compared to conventional fuel-powered ships.
During the sea trials, the vessel’s performance was evaluated in open waters to ensure that all major systems, including the engine, navigation systems, safety equipment, anchor operations, and other essential functions, were functioning as intended.
Zodiac Maritime initially engaged CIMC Raffles in October 2021 to construct a series of 7,000 CEU car carriers designed by Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute (SDARI).
Following the delivery of the initial four vessels in 2023, Zodiac Maritime decided to expand its fleet and ordered a total of ten LNG dual-fuel car carriers from CIMC Raffles by May 2023.
In addition to PCTCs, Zodiac Maritime also operates containerships, bulk carriers, tankers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers. In August 2023, the company further diversified its fleet by investing $120 million in four tankers with a capacity of 19,900 dwt each from Fukuoka, Japan.
In a recent development, CIMC Raffles delivered an LNG dual-fuel car carrier named BYD Changzhou in December last year to BYD, a leading plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufacturer based in China.
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