On November 4, KOTA ORKID, the fourth 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel built by New Yangzi Shipbuilding for Singapore’s PIL, sailed from the dock and entered operational service.
This vessel is a new generation of green, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly container vessel jointly developed and constructed by Shanghai Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group. It offers operational flexibility, capable of serving both feeder and deep-sea routes. Its performance metrics—including speed, deadweight tonnage and container capacity—exceed contractual requirements.
The KOTA ORKID has an overall length of 260.0 meters, a beam of 45.6 meters, and a structural draft of 15.5 meters. This vessel type has a maximum container capacity of 8,350 TEU, comprising 5,562 TEU in the hold and 2,788 TEU on deck.
The refrigerated container can hold 850 FEUs, with 200 FEUs inside the hold and 650 FEUs on deck. The integrated design of the cargo hold structure, hatch covers, and lashing bridges allows for arbitrary combination and loading of refrigerated containers, dangerous goods containers, standard containers, and high cube containers without losing container space.
Notably, this vessel marks the first time Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group has incorporated GTT membrane tanks into its container vessel construction, featuring the MARK III membrane containment system. This system achieves lower LNG evaporation rates and reduces overall structural weight compared to conventional B tanks and C tanks, indirectly increasing the loading capacity by 14 tons per standard container.
Kota Orkid joins her sister ‘O’ Class ships – Kota Oasis, Kota Ocean, and Kota Odyssey – on PIL’s South West Africa Service (SWS), enhancing connectivity between Asia and West Africa. With this addition, PIL strengthens its service capacity and flexibility, reinforcing its commitment to reliable and efficient global trade.
These vessels are equipped with cutting-edge engines that significantly reduce methane emissions and offer the flexibility to run on bio-methane fuels. Their hydrodynamic hull designs and advanced anti-fouling coatings also contribute to superior fuel efficiency.
With KOTA ORKID, PIL is progressing steadily towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced fleet. The company remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of global trade while reducing its carbon footprint.