Pacific International Lines Added LNG Dual-Fuel Ships
New 13,000-TEU vessels enhance capacity for international operators shipping goods to South America.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Transportation
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Pacific International Lines has taken delivery of the Kota Elok and Kota Elan, the first two of 13 planned LNG dual-fuel container ships built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. These vessels are designed to support growing cargo demand on the Asia-South America trade route.
Why it matters
The deployment of these large-capacity ships reflects a strategic move to secure space in high-demand corridors where refrigerated shipping needs are rising. Businesses relying on trans-Pacific logistics should monitor how these efficiency-focused assets influence freight capacity and fuel-cost stability.
Each vessel features a deadweight of 152,645 and a gross tonnage exceeding 130,769, supported by a 12,000 cubic metre LNG fuel tank. These ships are part of a 13-vessel series, with the first two delivered in October 2026.
The players
Pacific International Lines
A Singapore-based shipping company operating an extensive network of container routes across Asia and South America.
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding
A major Chinese shipbuilder specializing in large-scale commercial and LNG-powered vessel construction.
The details
The vessels employ an Integrated Containment and Exhaust Recirculation (ICER) system that cools and recirculates exhaust gas to re-combust methane, reducing emissions. Energy efficiency is further optimized through variable-frequency drive motors and LED lighting. These design choices allow the 335-metre ships to maintain a 22,000 nautical mile range while operating on LNG, which is critical for the long-haul Asia-South America route.
Timeline
August 2024: Initial five-ship order placed with Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
January 2026: Eight additional vessels ordered.
October 2026: The Kota Elok and Kota Elan were officially delivered.
2028-2029: Expected delivery timeframe for the remaining eight vessels.
Market Landscape
The adoption of the Integrated Containment and Exhaust Recirculation (ICER) system represents an industry-wide push to address methane slip in LNG-powered vessels. This development follows a pattern of large-scale fleet modernization by major carriers to meet international emission standards.
Operators moving goods between Asia and South America should note that increased fleet capacity may stabilize freight availability on these routes. Procurement managers should track these larger vessel deployments as potential indicators for shifts in refrigerated container pricing and long-term service reliability.
The takeaway
Large-scale investments in dual-fuel fleets signal that major carriers are committing to lower-emission technology for long-range trade routes. Businesses should monitor fleet delivery schedules from key builders like Hudong-Zhonghua to forecast potential changes in regional shipping capacity.
Further reading
For additional insights on global shipping infrastructure, visit the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baird Maritime.
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