Pacific International Lines (PIL) has marked a significant milestone in its fleet renewal programme with the maiden call of its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, at the Port of Singapore on July 15.
To commemorate the vessel’s inaugural arrival, PSA Singapore presented a commemorative plaque to Capt. Kan Liang, Master of Kota Elok, during a ceremony held onboard the vessel.
The maiden voyage also marked another industry first for PIL, as Kota Elok became the company’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Unified Requirements (UR) E26 and UR E27 for cyber security.
The newly introduced IACS cyber resilience standards, mandatory for all newbuild vessels contracted from July 1, 2024, are designed to strengthen cyber security across the maritime industry. While UR E26 focuses on ensuring the cyber resilience of the ship as a whole, UR E27 requires onboard systems and equipment to be designed with built-in cyber security protections from the outset.
According to PIL, the certification was achieved through close collaboration with Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Lloyd’s Register, specialist cyber security testing organisations, and equipment suppliers, ensuring cyber resilience was integrated throughout the vessel’s design and construction.
The company said the achievement reinforces its commitment to delivering safer, smarter and more secure shipping operations in an increasingly digital maritime environment.
Kota Elok is the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels being introduced under PIL’s fleet renewal programme. The vessel is capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as low-sulphur fuel oil, supporting the company’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to its dual-fuel capability, the vessel incorporates several energy-efficient technologies, including advanced digital systems to optimise fuel consumption and operational performance, as well as a bow windshield that improves aerodynamics, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions during long-haul voyages.
Following its maiden call in Singapore, Kota Elok will continue its voyage on PIL’s East Coast Service 1 (ES1), connecting Asia with South America’s east coast through ports in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, before returning to Asia.
The introduction of Kota Elok highlights PIL’s continued investment in fleet modernisation, sustainability, digitalisation and cyber resilience as the shipping industry transitions towards greener and more technologically advanced operations.
