Pacific International Lines (PIL) has named its first two 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, Kota Elok and Kota Elan, at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.
Kota Elok was named by Chan Wai Ching, Chief Corporate Officer of Temasek International, while Kota Elan was named by Yan Zi, Olympic bronze medallist and Grand Slam doubles champion, and wife of Lee Shing Kan, Executive Director of Xinyi Glass.
Senior representatives from PIL, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group, and Shandong Port Group Container Operations Centre also attended the ceremony.
The vessels are the first in a series of 13 newbuild 13,000 TEU ships forming part of PIL’s wider fleet renewal strategy aimed at expanding capacity, improving efficiency and reducing emissions across its global network.
Built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd, the ships will be deployed on PIL’s Asia–South America service, a trade lane that has seen sustained growth in container demand.
The additions are expected to enhance schedule reliability and support rising cargo flows between the two regions.
The names reflect symbolic intent. Kota Elok, meaning “beautiful city” in Malay, is intended to represent the ports and communities the vessel will serve. Kota Elan derives from “élan”, signifying energy, momentum and forward movement in global trade.
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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 are capable of operating on LNG as well as low-sulphur fuel oil, supporting emissions reduction targets while maintaining operational flexibility across bunkering environments.
Design features include an optimised hull form, energy-efficient onboard systems and advanced hull coatings aimed at reducing fuel consumption. Both ships also integrate digital systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, to support performance monitoring and operational automation.
Kota Elok is additionally fitted with a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency on long-haul voyages.
The ships have also been designed with enhanced onboard living conditions, with a focus on crew welfare, safety and operational comfort across extended deployments.
For more information:
Pacific International Lines – https://www.pilship.com/
