The share of bio-LNG in the carrier’s LNG consumption has more than doubled over the past year to 71%, improving environmental performance.

United European Car Carriers (UECC) says a decade-old investment in dual-fuel LNG vessels has positioned the company ahead of tightening environmental regulations, as the growing use of bio-LNG accelerates emissions reductions across its fleet.

This month, UECC marked a decade since taking delivery of Auto Eco and Auto Energy in 2016, the world’s first dual-fuel LNG pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).

The vessels were followed by three multi-fuel LNG battery-hybrid PCTCs delivered in 2021, while four additional LNG battery-hybrid new builds are scheduled for delivery from 2028.

The more-than-doubled share of liquefied biomethane (LBM), or bio-LNG, in its LNG consumption, has significantly improved the environmental performance of its LNG-fuelled fleet.

UECC is targeting a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared with a 2014 baseline.

The company said the emissions reductions it achieved last year have positioned it to surpass both IMO and EU emissions targets.

According to UECC, its early LNG investments have reduced exposure to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and enabled the fleet to operate with a compliance surplus under FuelEU Maritime.

The carrier said this allows it to avoid FuelEU surcharges while creating potential earnings opportunities through pooling arrangements.

The increased LNG share reflects a series of developments, including Molgas completing its first LBM bunkering operation in Le Havre, its first bio-LNG loading from the Dunkerque terminal and its first bio-LNG delivery in Spain.

Earlier, UECC confirmed it would not pass FuelEU Maritime compliance costs on to customers and said its LBM strategy is expected to outperform FuelEU requirements.

Renault and Toyota have also contracted the carrier’s low-emission shipping service to secure verified Scope 3 emissions reductions, supporting wider uptake of bio-LNG in maritime transport.

Source: ENGINE