PIL Puts Fourth LNG Dual-Fuel "O" Class Vessel Kota Orkid into Service
PIL Puts Fourth LNG Dual-Fuel "O" Class Vessel Kota Orkid into Service
Pacific International Lines (PIL) has put into service its fourth LNG dual-fuel "O" class container vessel as part of its environmentally conscious fleet modernization program. The Kota Orkid, which has a capacity of 8,200 TEU, was named after Singapore's national flower, the orchid, and symbolizes resilience, elegance, and progress.
Naming ceremony
At a ceremony held at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group's shipyard in Jiangsu, China, the vessel was named by Annie Yap, wife of PIL Board Member Yap Chee Keong.
Kota Orkid will operate alongside three sister "O" class vessels previously put into service by PIL — Kota Oasis, Kota Ocean, and Kota Odyssey — on the South West Africa Service (SWS) route. This service strengthens maritime trade connectivity between Asia and West Africa and enhances PIL's cargo capacity and service flexibility.
A significant step in fleet renewal strategy
Kota Orkid marks PIL's eighth LNG-fueled vessel delivered to date. Since 2024, the company has added four 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels and four 8,200 TEU "O" class vessels to its fleet.
PIL also has 12 new LNG dual-fuel vessels on order:
Five vessels of 13,000 TEU,
Seven vessels of 9,000 TEU,
to be delivered in the coming years.
Environmentally friendly technologies
Kota Orkid and her sister vessels are equipped with next-generation low-methane-emission engines and biomethane-compatible systems. These engines improve fuel efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Additionally, the vessels feature:
Hydrodynamic hull designs,
Advanced anti-fouling coatings,
which deliver significant fuel consumption savings and speed optimization.
These features form the technical foundation of PIL's vision for "transition to green shipping".
Statements from PIL management
PIL Executive Chairman S.S. Teo, speaking at the ceremony, assessed the company's fleet renewal strategy as follows:
"Adding our eighth new vessel to the fleet in the past year is a significant step in our journey of growth and environmental transformation. As we expand our LNG-fueled fleet, we are investing not only in capacity and technology, but also in a more sustainable future."
PIL CEO Lars Kastrup commented:
"Kota Orkid demonstrates that our fleet is becoming cleaner, smarter, and more efficient. Through advanced technologies, digital systems, and environmentally friendly fuels, we ensure that PIL remains sustainable, flexible, and innovative."
PIL's growth in African and Asian operations
PIL continues to expand, particularly on West African and Indian Ocean routes. The company announced in September that it had established a new agency called PIL (KENYA) LIMITED for Mariana Express Lines (MELL) in Kenya.
These steps are part of PIL's strategy to deepen its presence in the African market and strengthen regional connectivity.
Green fleet transformation accelerating
PIL's LNG investments have established the company as one of Asia's fastest-growing environmentally conscious maritime shipping operators.
With the completion of its vessel orders, PIL's fleet share of LNG and low-carbon fuel vessels will approach 30%.
With Kota Orkid entering service, PIL not only achieves fuel savings and emission reductions, but also marks significant progress in its transition to a fleet that complies with international maritime emission standards (IMO 2030/2050 targets).
Key Points:
Kota Orkid is PIL's fourth "O" class LNG dual-fuel vessel.
The vessel will operate on the Asia–West Africa route (SWS Service).
PIL currently has 8 LNG vessels in its fleet; 12 additional vessels are on order.
The vessels are equipped with engines that reduce methane emissions and biomethane-compatible systems.
Hydrodynamic design and anti-fouling coatings enhance fuel efficiency.
S.S. Teo: "Our LNG investments form the foundation of sustainable and reliable shipping."
PIL Kenya Limited represents the latest milestone in the company's African expansion strategy.
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News Link: https://www.porttechnology.org/news/pil-names-fourth-lng-dual-fuel-o-class-vessel/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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