Oslo-based United European Car Carriers (UECC) has ordered up to four battery hybrid newbuilds at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard Nanjing.

The shortsea roro carrier has signed for two firm vessels with multi-fuel LNG-driven engines scheduled for delivery in 2028 and options for two more units that， if exercised， would bring the number of “eco-friendly newbuilds” in the UECC fleet to nine after five similar deliveries within the past decade.

The 190-m-long vessels will have a capacity of 4500 ceu， an aerodynamic hull design to minimize fuel consumption， as well as shore power capability and solar panels installed on the top deck， the company said.

Once delivered， the ships will be deployed into UECC’s European shortsea shipping liner network for transport of vehicles， high & heavy and other rolling cargoes.

“Future-proofing of newbuilds is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. These PCTCs are therefore designed with advanced technologies to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions， while being adaptable to accommodate future innovations and regulatory changes，” said UECC’s CEO Glenn Edvardsen， adding: “This ensures that our operations can be continually optimised as new fuels and technologies are matured to further enhance the environmental efficiency of the UECC fleet.”