Splash247: United European Car Carriers lifts newbuild tally to four

Oslo-based United European Car Carriers (UECC) is expanding its fleet with an order for two more eco-friendly car carriers in China.

The shortsea roro operator, jointly owned by Wallenius Lines and Nippon Yusen Kaisha, has signed for a pair of 3,000 ceu vessels at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing.

The latest contract takes UECC’s orderbook at the yard to four ships. The company already has two larger 4,500 ceu units under construction there, with delivery slated for 2028.

Designed in cooperation with Shanghai Ship Research & Design Institute, the ships will feature multi-fuel LNG engines combined with battery hybrid solutions. They will also be fitted with shore power capability, advanced propulsion systems and an aerodynamic hull form intended to cut fuel consumption.

The company currently operates 16 vessels. With the four newbuilds on order, UECC will have nine dual-fuel LNG and multi-fuel battery hybrid PCTCs delivered since 2016.