World’s First LNG-Powered Car Carrier Delivered

Image credit: UECC

The world’s first LNG-fueled pure car and truck carrier has been delivered in China.

The vessel, to be named Auto Eco, is owned by United European Car Carriers, which is equally owned by Janan’s NYK Line and the Swedish shipping company Wallenius Lines. It was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries at the NACKS shipyard in Nantong, China.

The ship is the first of two sister vessels to come with a MAN Diesel and Turbo dual-fuel ME-GI 2-stroke engine that can run on either LNG of heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil. The vessels will all measure 181 meters long with a 30 meter beam, and will have 1A super Finnish/Swedish ice class for year-round trading in the Baltic area. The vessels have capacity for 3,800 standard cars spread over 10 decks, as well as significant cargo capacity for high & heavy cargo.

Auto Eco will be officialy named in November when it reach north Europe, where it will enter into service.

Auto Eco Details:

• Length overall: 181 meters
• Breadth: 30.00 meters
• Summer molded depth: 9.60 meters
• Gross tonnage: 42,424 tons
• Main engine: MAN B&W 8S50MEC8.2GI
• Total loading car capacity: 3,985 units