Japan: NYK Orders Four Next-Generation Type PCTCs

NYK has decided to build four next-generation type PCTCs (Pure Car and Truck Carrier).

Two of the vessels will be built by Imabari Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. at its factory in Marugame city in Kagawa prefecture with technical assistance being provided by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. The other two vessels will be built by Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co. Ltd. at its Onishi Shipyard in Ehime prefecture. All four vessels are scheduled to be completed from 2014 to 2015.

These new vessels are part of the investment plan contained in NYK’s medium-term management plan “More Than Shipping 2013″ and will be the first PCTCs decided to build by the company since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008.

NYK expects the worldwide demand for PCTC transport to steadily expand, and these four new vessels will be the Post-Panamax vessels capable of transiting the Panama Canal when the third lane of locks, larger than the current two, becomes operational in the autumn of 2014.

These new vessels will be 2–3 meters wider than current PCTCs and will be equipped with the latest energy-saving technology, improving fuel performance by about 30 percent per unit.

NYK will continue its effort to offer advanced vessels to customers by working positively to develop new designs, improve quality, and emphasize environmental consciousness.