PIL Orders Five 13,000 TEU Container Ships from Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines (PIL) has joined the trend of ordering new container ships by contracting five large vessels, each with a capacity of 13,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), from Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

These new ships are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026. Like many recent orders in the industry, PIL has chosen LNG dual-fuel propulsion for these vessels, media reports stated.

LNG dual-fuel technology has become popular among container ship owners as concerns about the supply of green methanol—a fuel alternative for methanol dual-fuel ships—grow. Even Maersk, which was previously focused on methanol dual-fuel ships, is now planning to order its first LNG dual-fuel vessels.

PIL’s latest order for five 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels enhances its fleet, which already comprises four 14,000 TEU and four 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel ships currently under construction. This expansion underscores PIL’s commitment to adopting LNG as a primary fuel source. The broader maritime industry is increasingly shifting towards LNG due to its reduced environmental impact compared to traditional marine fuels and its relatively better availability. LNG offers a more sustainable alternative, helping shipping companies meet stricter emissions regulations and contribute to greener maritime operations.

This trend reflects a growing industry-wide recognition of LNG’s potential to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL said, “These latest orders are part of PIL’s fleet renewal strategy for larger and more eco-friendly vessel types. Together with another eight vessels we currently have under construction, we now have 13 new vessels that will contribute significantly towards our decarbonisation goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”

The new ships ordered by Pacific International Lines (PIL) will feature several advanced technologies. Along with dual-fuel propulsion systems, which use both LNG and conventional fuels, the ships will have an optimized hull design to improve efficiency. They will also include variable-frequency drive (VFD) motors for larger pumps and ventilation systems, which help save energy. The vessels will use lower-energy LED lighting and have high-quality hull coatings to reduce maintenance and improve performance.

Additionally, the new ships will be designed to carry a large number of refrigerated containers, known as reefers. This means they will have a high reefer payload capacity, which is important for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

The first two of PIL’s earlier ordered 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels are expected to be delivered later this year. These innovations in design and technology are part of PIL’s commitment to more efficient and environmentally friendly shipping solutions.