Imabari Shipbuilding has delivered the Padma Leader, a 7,000-unit LNG-fuelled pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line). The delivery ceremony took place on October 30 at Tadotsu Shipbuilding, an Imabari subsidiary.

The Japan-flagged vessel is projected to achieve a 25-30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to vessels powered by conventional fuel oil, according to Imabari Shipbuilding. The carrier is also expected to eliminate nearly 100% of sulphur oxide emissions and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80-90% through the use of an exhaust gas recirculation system.

The 18,505-tonne deadweight PCTC measures 199.93 meters in length overall, 38.0 meters in width, and 38.76 meters in depth, with a gross tonnage of 77,589. It is powered by a 6S60ME-C10.5-GI main engine and has a service speed of approximately 18.0 knots.

The carrier features a boil-off gas treatment system that allows the vessel to use gas generated from the LNG fuel tanks in its generators and boilers.

The 6S60ME-C10.5-GI is a marine main engine manufactured by Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions), part of its ME-C series known for electronically controlled two-stroke engines used in large vessels.

The engine uses a Gas Injection (GI) system, which allows it to burn both fuel oil and gas, offering fuel flexibility for vessels operating with dual-fuel capability.

Everllence's engine features sequential electronic fuel injection, optimizing fuel combustion efficiency and reducing emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), supporting compliance with Tier II & Tier III regulations.