# PIL orders seven methanol-ready feeder containerships in China

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/pil-orders-seven-methanol-ready-feeder-containerships-in-china/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-06T01:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-05T07:50:56+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Container
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** China, Container Shipping, Container Vessels, Decarbonisation, Feeder Vessels, Fleet Renewal, Huanghai Shipbuilding, Intra-Asia, Maritime Technology, Methanol-Ready, Newbuilding Orders, Pacific International Lines, Pacific Islands, PIL, Shipbuilding

Pacific International Lines (PIL) has ordered seven new 1,400 TEU container vessels from Huanghai Shipbuilding in China, expanding its fleet renewal programme with ships designed for regional services across Asia and the Pacific Islands.

The order, announced on 5 November 2026, covers vessels with a combined nominal capacity of 9,800 TEU. Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2030, with the new ships intended to improve operational flexibility and strengthen PIL’s connections between smaller ports and major transhipment hubs.

Each vessel will measure 172 metres in length and 25 metres in width. According to PIL, the dimensions have been customised for the requirements of its target regional markets, allowing the carrier to maximise carrying capacity while retaining access to ports served by smaller feeder vessels.

The ships will be methanol-ready and incorporate energy-saving technologies as part of PIL’s wider fleet modernisation and decarbonisation strategy.

### Regional vessel design supports network expansion

The new vessels are intended primarily for PIL’s Intra-Asia and Pacific Islands networks, where feeder operations connect regional ports with larger international shipping services.

Their dimensions have been selected to balance cargo capacity with operational access, particularly in markets where port infrastructure and vessel size restrictions can limit the deployment of larger containerships.

Lars Kastrup, Chief Executive Officer of PIL, said the investment would strengthen the carrier’s regional capabilities while supporting improvements in vessel performance and operating efficiency.

“Investing in these new feeder vessels will strengthen our capabilities and capacity across the Intra-Asia and Pacific Islands network,” said Lars Kastrup, Chief Executive Officer of PIL.

The company also plans to incorporate digital systems to support vessel operations and performance monitoring, although the announcement does not specify the technology suppliers or individual systems involved.

![PIL orders seven methanol-ready feeder containerships in China](https://pelavox.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Illustration-of-PILs-1400-TEU-vessel-1-1024x565.webp)

### Methanol-ready design and energy-saving equipment

The seven newbuildings will be designed to accommodate future adoption of methanol as a marine fuel, subject to the development of suitable fuel availability and supporting infrastructure.

Their methanol-ready specification does not necessarily mean they will be equipped with operational methanol-fuelled propulsion systems when delivered.

The vessels will incorporate pre-swirl vanes and propeller boss cap fins, which are designed to improve propulsive efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Additional safety equipment will include fixed fire water monitors and cargo hold water spray systems to strengthen onboard firefighting capabilities.

These features form part of PIL’s efforts to improve fleet efficiency and support its longer-term objective of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

### Deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030

Huanghai Shipbuilding was selected to construct the vessels based on its technical capabilities, shipbuilding experience and ability to meet PIL’s requirements for quality, efficiency and delivery.

The new order adds another series of ships to PIL’s fleet renewal and expansion programme, with the carrier continuing to invest in vessels suited to different segments of its international network.

PIL operates more than 100 containerships and provides services across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania and the Pacific Islands.

The company has not disclosed the contract value, individual delivery dates or the specific services to which the seven new vessels will be assigned.

The latest investment reinforces PIL’s focus on renewing its regional fleet while preparing for potential changes in marine fuel technologies over the coming years.

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Cite as: "PIL orders seven methanol-ready feeder containerships in China", pelavox., 6 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/pil-orders-seven-methanol-ready-feeder-containerships-in-china/