PIL launches fourth 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel ‘O’ Class vessel

The ship features engines that reduce methane emissions.

Pacific International Lines (PIL) has conducted the naming ceremony for Kota Orkid, the fourth in its series of 8,200 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) LNG dual-fuel ‘O’ Class container vessels.

“Kota Orkid joins her sister ‘O’ Class ships – Kota Oasis, Kota Ocean, and Kota Odyssey – on PIL’s South West Africa Service (SWS), enhancing connectivity between Asia and West Africa,” PIL said.

The company said this also strengthens its service capacity and flexibility, reinforcing its commitment to reliable and efficient global trade.

“As we grow our LNG-powered fleet, we are not only investing in capacity and technology but also in greener shipping. This vessel will play a key role in enhancing our service offerings and delivering greater value to our customers,” S.S. Teo, executive chairman of PIL, said.

Alongside the four ‘O’ Class vessels delivered this year, PIL has also received four 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels since 2024. The company has another 12 LNG dual-fuel vessels on order, including five 13,000 TEU and seven 9,000 TEU ships, scheduled for delivery in the coming years.

These vessels are equipped with cutting-edge engines that significantly reduce methane emissions and offer the flexibility to run on bio-methane fuels. Their hydrodynamic hull designs and advanced anti-fouling coatings also contribute to superior fuel efficiency.