United European Car Carriers has been handed the prestigious World Excellence Award for Sustainability by automotive industry giant Ford in recognition of the company’s leading role in decarbonization of shipping.

The WEA is awarded by Ford each year to honour “great supplier relationships and recognize companies who distinguish themselves from their peers by achieving the highest levels of excellence globally in quality, technology, delivery and sustainability”.

Ford has long-term contracts in place with UECC for provision of transport services in the European shortsea trade as the major vehicle manufacturer seeks to minimize the environmental footprint of its logistics to meet sustainability goals.

‘Industry-leading green vessels’

Recent investments by UECC in a series of environment-friendly newbuilds, as well as adoption of alternative fuels on existing ships, “gives them an industry-leading ratio of green vessels and puts them at the front of the emissions reductions in their industry”, states Ford’s FoE Indirect Purchasing Director Samantha Fletcher in a citation for the award.

UECC’s Chief Executive Glenn Edvardsen says: “We are delighted with the award. It is truly a great honour to receive this distinction from such a globally recognised company and an important client and partner, which is aligned with us in having sustainability at the core of its business.”

“This award firmly demonstrates the importance and value placed by the market on sustainable ship operations as, together with Ford and other like-minded partners, we advance along the path towards net zero by reducing GHG emissions across the supply chain.”

Innovative thinking

UECC has significantly enhanced the sustainability profile of its fleet with delivery over the past two years of three multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid PCTCs, in addition to two earlier delivered dual-fuel LNG vessels that were the first of their kind to hit the water. All five vessels are also adaptable for future low-carbon fuels as these become available.

The innovative battery hybrid solution on the latest newbuild trio means they can operate well beyond the current IMO target for a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030. Furthermore, the use of LNG can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 25%, and NOx, SOx and particulate matter emissions in the order of 90%.

In addition, UECC has piloted the use of alternative fuels such as biofuel, which cuts CO2 emissions by 90%. With the success of this initiative, UECC continues to utilize biofuels on other PCTCs in the 14-vessel fleet of eight owned and six chartered units, including Autosky and time-chartered vessel Emerald Leader that was recently bunkered with biofuel for the first time under a collaboration with GoodFuels and vessel owner NYK.

The company aims to increase usage of alternative fuels on its fleet to 80% by 2030 from the current level of around 30%.

Making collaboration count

“We have been proactively pursuing newbuild investments and alternative fuel initiatives for the past decade. Consequently, we now have a green-powered fleet that is aligned with the shifting market landscape and ahead of the curve in relation to new regulations,” Edvardsen says.

“Implementation of the CII rating system and EEXI/EEDI from this year could affect a vessel’s ability to trade in future while the impending introduction of the EU Emissions Trading System from 2024 will necessitate measures to reduce emissions due to the potential impact on fuel costs.

“Regardless of these regulatory requirements, the cornerstone of UECC’s vision is to continue to work diligently to uphold the principles of sustainability and contribute meaningfully to the cause to reduce exposure for our clients. Our mutually beneficial alliance with Ford also shows that such collaboration with clients and partners can move the industry forward into a new green era.”

Ford’s Samantha Fletcher welcomes the “open, collaborative approach” of the two companies, stating: “UECC are a great company to deal with and have proved to be a very flexible and cooperative supplier who are fully supporting our Ford sustainability objectives and whose contribution is highly valued by both purchasing and MP&L teams.”