NYK has announced plans to build four next-generation type PCTCs (Pure Car and Truck Carriers). Two of the vessels will be built by Imabari Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, with technical assistance from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. The other two vessels will be built by Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co. Ltd. The four vessels are scheduled to be completed during the period 2014 to 2015, according to Exim News Service.
These vessels are part of the investment programme contained in NYK's medium-term management plan "More Than Shipping 2013" and will be the first PCTCs to be built by the company since the collapse of the US-based Lehman Brothers in 2008.
NYK expects the worldwide demand for PCTC transport to steadily expand. The four new vessels will be post-Panamax, capable of transiting the Panama Canal when the third lane of locks, larger than the current two, becomes operational in the autumn of 2014.
The vessels will be 2-3 metres wider than the current PCTCs and will be equipped with the latest energy-saving technology, improving fuel performance by about 30 per cent per unit.
NYK will continue its efforts to offer advanced vessels to customers by working positively to develop new designs, improve quality, and emphasise environmental consciousness, stressed an official release.
Vessel particulars
Overall length-Less than 200 m
Breadth-35-36 m
Total car capacity-About 7,000 units
Ramp capacity-Stern ramp, 150 tonnes; Centre ramp, 20 tonnes
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