UECC Orders Two More Eco-Friendly PCTCs

By Simon West

United European Car Carriers has ordered another two eco-friendly pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), boosting its count of newbuildings under construction at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to four.

The pair of multifuel battery hybrid vessels, each with a capacity of 3,000 car equivalent units (CEUs), will be deployed to transport vehicles, high and heavy and other rolling cargoes in UECC’s European shortsea shipping liner network.

The roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) carrier already has two 4,500-CEU vessels with similar specifications on its orderbook with the Chinese manufacturer. All four units are slated for delivery in 2028.

“These newbuildings represent a significant step forward in safety, efficiency and environmental performance, while redefining cargo-carrying capability in the PCTC segment,” said Glenn Edvardsen, CEO at UECC. “This is an important milestone both in strengthening the sustainability and capability of our fleet, as well as our partnership with China Merchants Jinling, a premium shipyard with strong credentials in delivering high-quality, innovative vessels.”

According to UECC, the latest newbuilds will feature a ballast-free design, advanced propulsion technologies to optimize energy efficiency, an aerodynamic hull design to curtail fuel consumption, advanced fire containment systems and shore power capability.

The vessels’ capacity will be spread out over nine decks with a quarter stern ramp capacity of 160 tons and length overall (LOA) of 169.5 meters.

“A deck configuration and a main deck that is market leading in terms of height, combined with increased deck strength, (will enable) the transport of substantially larger high and heavy units and project cargo than is typically possible for a PCTC,” Edvardsen said.

The vessels are also being designed to incorporate future technological innovations and new alternative fuels as they become available, the CEO added.

UECC will be exhibiting at Breakbulk Europe 2026.