Neptune Lines doubles order tally for dual-fuel car carriers

Greek vehicle carrier owner and operator Neptune Lines has added more vessels to its newbuild series at Fujian Mawei shipyard in China.

The Craig Jasienski-led firm has contracted another pair of LNG dual-fuel 4,200 ceu ships for delivery in 2027 after signing up for the first two units under the so-called Genesis Project in September last year.

The cost of the latest newbuilds was not disclosed, but the first duo set to deliver in 2026 came at $75m each.

The vessels have been designed by Neptune Lines and Deltamarin. In addition to utilising LNG or VLSFO as fuel, the units will sport several features to minimise environmental footprint, including an energy storage system, shore power, and readiness for a solar power system.

Neptune said the new vessel series reflects the company’s strategy to supplement its fleet over the next decade, increase cargo capacity by 36% from current core fleet vessels, and reduce emissions to remain well ahead of global targets.

Established in 1975, Neptune Lines is run by the president of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), Melina Travlos, and currently boasts a fleet of 21 vehicle carriers ranging from 1,500 to 6,500 ceu.