Pacific International Lines names newest dual-fuel containership

Pacific International Lines (PIL) formally named its newest container vessel in a ceremony at the PSA Terminal in Singapore on Friday, June 6.

Kota Ocean is the sixth LNG dual-fuel vessel in the PIL fleet as well as the second in a series of four 8,200TEU ships ordered by the company. Series lead ship Kota Oasis was handed over in early May.

Built by China's Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, the four vessels will form part of PIL's long-term fleet renewal plan.

Besides being LNG-powered, Kota Ocean is capable of using bio-methane fuels and is also equipped with WinGD’s XDF engine with intelligent control by exhaust recycling to reduce methane emissions.

The vessel also features a full-spade type rudder with twisted leading edge, a rudder bulb, a pre-swirl stator as well as an optimised hydrodynamic hull form with anti-fouling coatings.

PIL said the ship incorporates digitalisation such as AI and internet of things to increase the automation of tasks as well as operational efficiency and safety. These would enable better monitoring and planning of its operations and routes.