Greece’s Neptune Lines has taken the plunge on dual-fuel car carrier newbuildings to renew its fleet.
The shipowner said two next-generation units of 4,200 ceu have been ordered at Fujian Mawei Shipyard in China.
They will run on LNG and very low-sulphur fuel oil, and are due in 2026.
No price has been revealed.
The vessels, designed under the company’s Genesis Project, are seen as the first two in a new series that reflects its strategy to supplement its fleet over the next decade.
The aim is to increase cargo capacity by 36% from the current core fleet ships and reduce emissions to remain well ahead of global targets.
“Both vessels have hybrid energy systems, designed and constructed to use battery installation to supply peak power,” the owner said.
A controllable pitch propeller with a shaft generator and multiple thrusters will be used for propulsion and efficient manoeuvring.
Shore power capability will be installed, able to connect to port grids when available to remove emissions when in port. The design has been developed with Deltamarin and the vessels will be classed by DNV.
Neptune chief executive Craig Jasienski said: “Neptune Lines continues to improve its environmental performance by using the latest advanced technologies, fuels and scale improvements.
Driving the energy transition
“We are determined to drive the energy transition of the shipping industry, while remaining committed to providing adaptable and sophisticated solutions to our customers’ needs and reacting swiftly to their demands.”
Jasienski was brought in as boss in 2021.
The Australian executive was previously CEO at rival Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
VesselsValue lists Neptune as controlling 19 pure car/truck carriers. The newest dates from 2014.
