Pacific International Lines (PIL) and bunkering supplier, Shanghai SIPG Energy Service (SSES), successfully completed the inaugural Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering of PIL’s first LNG-powered container vessel, Kota Eagle, on 26 October 2024.

In the ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation conducted at the Yangshan port in Shanghai, the Kota Eagle, a 14,000 TEU container ship, received about 8,000 cbm of LNG from the Hai Gang Wei Lai bunkering vessel.

The use of LNG as a marine fuel is a pragmatic option enabling the shipping industry to achieve tangible and immediate reduction in carbon emissions. This LNG bunkering operation underscores the commitment of both companies to achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) net zero emissions target by 2050.

Kota Eagle, which is on her maiden voyage, is the first vessel in PIL’s fleet to be powered by LNG. Following the bunkering, she will sail to Ningbo and depart for Latin America on PIL’s West Coast Central and South America Service 2 route.

Chia Yuijn, Head of Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Marine Fuels, PIL said, "The completion of PIL's first LNG bunkering operation, together with our continued investments in a newbuilding programme focused exclusively on greener dual-fuel vessels, demonstrate PIL's commitment to sustainable shipping. We believe the expedient transition to cleaner fuels is achieved through collaboration between various stakeholders in the value chain.

“We would like to thank our suppliers, SSES, and SIPG port group for the close coordination which contributed to the safe and efficient operation.

Kota Eagle’s LNG dual-fuel engine is complemented with various energy saving technologies that further reduces its greenhouse gas emissions.
Dai, General Manager of SSES, added, “The successful LNG bunkering operation for the Kota Eagle marks a significant beginning for our partnership. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with PIL. Together, we are not just powering ships but also driving towards a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.”