UECC Reinforces European Logistics Network with Incorporation of Dual-Fuel LNG Vessel and Third Turkish Port Visit
UECC Bolsters European North-South Service with the Arrival of the Blue Heritage
UECC, a leading provider of RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping services, has expanded its European north-south service with the addition of a new vessel, the Blue Heritage. The ship is set to make its debut on the busy north-south Europe routes in autumn 2023.
The Blue Heritage is a dual-fuel LNG PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) with a capacity of 7,000 CEUs (Car Equivalent Units) across 12 decks. Four of these decks are hoistable, making the vessel capable of carrying high and heavy (H&H) cargoes. The Blue Heritage is the sistership to the Blue Aspire, another vessel in UECC's fleet.
Currently, UECC's European north-south service deploys seven vessels, covering 12 ports on the north-west route and four ports on the south route. The addition of the Blue Heritage will increase the number of UECC vessels on the busy north-south Europe route to seven.
This expansion is part of UECC's commitment to both service regularity and environmental efficiency. The company aims to boost emissions cuts by a further 50% this year, nearly doubling the reduction achieved last year. In 2024, UECC reported a significant reduction in well-to-wake CO2 emissions, largely due to the bunkering of liquefied biomethane (LBM) on LNG-fuelled vessels.
The use of LBM on UECC's vessels has not been explicitly mentioned in relation to the European north-south service. However, the Blue Heritage's dual-fuel LNG engines can also run on LBM, contributing to UECC's Sail for Change decarbonisation initiative. This initiative is receiving strong support from carmakers in Europe, including Toyota, Ford, and JLR.
The impact of the Blue Heritage on UECC's European north-south service has not been explicitly mentioned in the provided information. However, with the addition of the Blue Heritage, UECC will offer a sailing frequency of 4.5 days from Turkey to Northern Europe, the highest in the market.
In conclusion, the addition of the Blue Heritage to UECC's fleet marks a significant step in the company's commitment to both service regularity and environmental efficiency on its European north-south service. As UECC continues to expand its fleet and implement its Sail for Change decarbonisation initiative, the company is poised to lead the way in sustainable shipping practices.
