Eastern Pacific Shipping takes delivery of LNG dual-fuel car carrier for SUARDIAZ
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has taken delivery of MV RS Atlantico, a new LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) developed in collaboration with SUARDIAZ Group.
The vessel has a capacity of 5,500 car equivalent units (CEU) and is the first mid-sized PCTC developed through the cooperation between the two companies.
RS Atlantico is also the first EPS newbuilding chartered to SUARDIAZ, marking a further development in their existing commercial relationship.
The vessel was constructed at Xiamen Shipyard in China, part of the Fujian Chuanzheng Shipbuilding Group, and is the lead vessel in its series.
New PCTC designed for automotive transportation
The 5,500 CEU RS Atlantico has been developed to meet specific customer requirements in the vehicle transportation sector.
The vessel is equipped with LNG dual-fuel propulsion, allowing it to operate using liquefied natural gas as an alternative to conventional marine fuels.
According to EPS, the newbuilding forms part of the companies’ efforts to introduce more efficient vessel operations into automotive shipping.
The delivery also represents EPS’s first mid-sized PCTC newbuilding from Xiamen Shipyard.
Thomas Preben Hansen, Commercial Director, Containers/PCTC at EPS, said the vessel reflects the cooperation established between the two companies.
“Over the years, our organisations have worked closely together to deliver safe, reliable and efficient transportation solutions,” Hansen said.
The project involved collaboration between EPS, SUARDIAZ, the shipyard and other industry partners throughout the vessel’s development and construction.
SUARDIAZ continues fleet renewal programme
For SUARDIAZ, the delivery of RS Atlantico forms part of its fleet renewal and expansion activities.
The company will employ the vessel under a charter arrangement with EPS, adding LNG dual-fuel capacity to its automotive transportation operations.
Marcos Duato, SUARDIAZ Shipping Lines Director, described the delivery as an important development in the company’s fleet programme.
“RS Atlantico marks an important milestone in the renewal and growth of our fleet,” Duato said.
He also highlighted the vessel’s LNG propulsion system and the cooperation with EPS during its development.
The delivery extends the existing relationship between Eastern Pacific Shipping and SUARDIAZ into the employment of a newly built mid-sized car carrier.
While RS Atlantico is confirmed as the lead vessel in its series, the announcement does not provide details of additional vessels, their delivery schedules or the duration of the charter agreement.
