United European Car Carriers (UECC) has once again claimed the prestigious Bremenports’ Green Focus Award, marking a significant achievement in maritime sustainability. The award, which celebrates the cleanest vessel, was granted to UECC’s multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid PCTC, Auto Advance, for its impressive eco-friendly credentials. This vessel was recognized as the most environmentally conscious ship docking at the ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven throughout 2023.
The Auto Advance topped the charts with an Environmental Ship Index (ESI) score of 80.1, thanks to its 10 calls at the Bremerhaven port last year. This score underscores UECC’s dedication to green maritime solutions, as ESI measures ships’ performance in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions. With an ESI score of up to 100, the higher the score, the cleaner the vessel, and Auto Advance is a testament to UECC’s commitment to sustainability.
This isn’t the first time UECC has shined in the environmental spotlight. The company’s LNG-powered car carrier, Auto Energy, previously won the Greenports award in both 2018 and 2022. UECC’s fleet has consistently been recognized for its clean operational performance, and this latest accolade only strengthens its position as a leader in green maritime innovation.
Jan Thore Foss, UECC’s Head of Newbuilding, and Captain Piotr Bartoszewicz accepted the award at the recent Envoconnect conference in Bremerhaven. “We are delighted that this award honors our performance,” Foss stated, emphasizing that Auto Advance’s LNG battery hybrid system is a pioneering achievement in emissions reduction.
Bremenports’ Managing Director Robert Howe praised UECC’s sustainability efforts, noting the company’s significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of LNG-powered newbuilds and biofuels. UECC has not only met but exceeded industry expectations with its multi-fuel LNG hybrid ships, such as Auto Advance, Auto Achieve, and Auto Aspire. These innovative vessels are the first of their kind to incorporate a multi-fuel LNG engine, hybrid battery, and smart energy management systems, further optimizing fuel use and improving energy efficiency.
UECC’s environmental impact is substantial, with LNG reducing CO2 emissions by around 25%, cutting NOx by 95%, and nearly eliminating SOx and particulate matter emissions. The company’s LNG-fueled fleet is already surpassing the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 carbon intensity targets. In addition, UECC is pioneering carbon-neutral operations through its use of liquefied biomethane (bioLNG), as part of its Sail for Change sustainability initiative.
This award showcases how UECC continues to push boundaries in maritime sustainability, setting an example for the industry and paving the way for cleaner, greener operations across Europe.
