Pacific International Lines (PIL) has held a twin naming ceremony for two new 13,000-teu container ships, Kota Elok and Kota Elan, at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai on 23 June.

The two vessels are equipped to operate on LNG as well as low-sulphur fuel oil and are the first in a series of 13 newbuildings of the same class. They will be deployed on PIL's Asia–South America service, which the shipper says will help meet increasing cargo demand on the route while improving network efficiencies.

According to PIL, the vessels incorporate a range of energy-saving features, including an optimised hull form, energy-efficient systems and hull coatings designed to reduce fuel consumption. Both ships are also fitted with digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, to support operational performance and onboard automation.

Kota Elok additionally features a bow windshield intended to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce fuel consumption on long-haul voyages.

Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, commented: "The naming of Kota Elok and Kota Elan highlights the acceleration in PIL's journey to modernise our fleet and strengthen our position in key trade lanes. These vessels will enable us to meet growing trade demand, expand capacity and deliver greater efficiency for our customers.

"At the same time, they reflect our continued commitment to sustainability. By investing in LNG dual-fuel technology and advanced vessel designs, we are taking meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint and achieving our net-zero ambitions."

Kota Elok was named by Ms Chan Wai Ching, Chief Corporate Officer of Temasek International, while Kota Elan was named by Ms Yan Zi, a former Olympic tennis bronze medallist and Grand Slam doubles champion, and the wife of Lee Shing Kan, Executive Director of Xinyi Glass. Also in attendance were PIL CEO Lars Kastrup, PIL board director Eng Aik Meng, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group chairman Chen Jianliang, and Li Wucheng, director of Shandong Port Group Container Operations Centre.