UECC's TBN AUTO ECO Pure Car and Truck Carrier Concludes First Sea Trial

As reported earlier, United European Car Carriers (UECC), jointly owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Wallenius Lines, has signed a contract to construct two dual fuel LNG PCTCs with 1A Super Finnish/Swedish ice class.

After the formal launching ceremony of the first of the two LNG PCTC vessels on the 14th of April, the TBN AUTO ECO has now concluded her first sea trial.

The TBN AUTO ECO is the first PCTC in the world to be powered by LNG, substantially reducing her environmental footprint. The vessel sailed from the NACKS shipyard on the 29th of June with 140 technical staff on board for a one-week sea trial.

Upon leaving Shanghai waters, the vessel proceeded to the Southwest of the Goto Islands (Japan) for trials with the weather and depth taken into considerations. As per all extensive trials, there were some challenges, but overall the sea trial was a success.

The operation of navigation and automation systems were excellent. The vessel’s maneuverability such as turning radius, crash stop, and side thruster were all in perfect condition, meeting the standards and criteria.

One of the most important tests, which was perhaps the speed test, scored a speed of 0.2 – 0.3 knots higher than the contract speed. The vessel’s vibrations throughout the speed range were also very low.

The next milestone for the vessel is the second sea trial operating purely on LNG.

The TBN AUTO ECO is scheduled to be delivered to UECC on 30 September 2016 in Nantong, China.