Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 9, UK-based shipping company Zodiac Maritime has taken delivery of the final 7,000 CEU dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) constructed by CIMC Raffles, a subsidiary of China International Marine Containers (CIMC). The vessel, named Jisu Glory, was officially handed over on September 8, completing the delivery of ten dual-fuel PCTC vessels ordered by Zodiac Maritime.

The first ship in the series, BYD Explorer No.1, was delivered on January 8, 2025, and subsequently leased to BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in China. Its commissioning represented a milestone, marking the beginning of large-scale international transport of domestically built cars using China-manufactured carriers.

Zodiac Maritime’s initial agreement with CIMC Raffles dates back to October 2021, when the company contracted four 7,000 CEU car carriers designed by the Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute (SDARI). While handovers of these four ships were originally scheduled to begin in 2023, Zodiac Maritime later considered exercising purchase options for more vessels. By May 2023, the company had increased its order to a total of ten LNG dual-fuel carriers, confirming its commitment to sustainable fleet expansion.

The series of PCTCs is equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), in addition to conventional fuels. This design feature is intended to support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. According to CIMC Raffles, the use of LNG can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20–30% compared to traditional fuel-powered voyages.

The completion of the ten-ship order highlights the growing collaboration between Zodiac Maritime and CIMC Raffles, reinforcing the role of LNG dual-fuel technology in shipping’s transition to lower-emission operations. The vessels are positioned to serve the increasing demand for energy-efficient transportation of automobiles, reflecting trends in both environmental performance and global trade logistics.

The delivery of Jisu Glory marks the conclusion of a significant shipbuilding program that began with BYD Explorer No.1. Together, these vessels contribute to expanding capacity for international car shipments, with advanced fuel technology designed to meet evolving environmental standards.

Zodiac Maritime’s strategy of integrating LNG dual-fuel PCTCs into its fleet underscores the company’s adaptation to global industry requirements for efficiency and sustainability. At the same time, CIMC Raffles’ successful execution of the project demonstrates the capabilities of China’s shipbuilding sector in delivering complex, environmentally focused designs on a large scale.

With the series complete, Zodiac Maritime now operates one of the largest fleets of LNG dual-fuel car carriers in the market, positioning the company to address rising demand from the automobile trade while supporting broader efforts to reduce shipping emissions. The achievement also reflects a broader industry shift toward cleaner marine fuels, as carriers worldwide invest in next-generation ship designs to align with environmental and operational goals.