On 23 June, Pacific International Lines (PIL) marked a significant milestone in its fleet renewal programme with the twin naming ceremony of its newest 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, Kota Elok and Kota Elan, at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.
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 tennis Olympic bronze medallist and Grand Slam champion in doubles. She is the wife of Lee Shing Kan, Executive Director of Xinyi Glass, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of glass.
The name Kota Elok, meaning “beautiful city” in Malay, reflects both the grace and elegance of the vessel, and the vibrant ports and communities she will connect. Kota Elan, derived from the word “élan”, represents dynamism, vitality and forward momentum—symbolising the vessel’s role in enabling global trade flows with energy and purpose.
Built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd, the two vessels are the first in a series of 13 new 13,000 TEU ships designed to elevate PIL’s operational capabilities. They form a key part of the company’s broader fleet renewal strategy, aimed at modernising its vessels, increasing competitiveness and growing capacity while enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Kota Elok and Kota Elan will be deployed on PIL’s service connecting Asia and South America, a key trade corridor experiencing strong and sustained growth. Their introduction enables PIL to better support increasing cargo demand while facilitating smoother and more efficient trade flows between the two regions, and improves PIL’s operating efficiencies across the network.
Both ships are equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as low-sulphur fuel oil, allowing for meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Their deployment reinforces PIL’s commitment to sustainable shipping and its long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Mr Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, said, “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.”
The vessels incorporate a suite of advanced technological and energy-saving features, including an optimised hull form to improve hydrodynamic performance, energy-efficient systems and premium hull coatings that reduce fuel consumption. Both vessels are also equipped with digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, to enhance operational performance and enable greater automation onboard.
Kota Elok further features a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.
Beyond operational performance, the vessels have been designed with seafarers in mind, offering a safe, modern and comfortable onboard environment that supports crew wellbeing and welfare.