Work has begun on the construction of LNG vessels for logistics within the Volkswagen Group. (Earlier post.) Volkswagen Group Logistics, the operator Siem Car Carriers and the shipyard Xiamen Shipbuilding celebrated the “steel cutting” (equivalent to foundation laying in the shipbuilding industry) with an official ceremony in the Chinese city of Xiamen.

From 2019, the two ships powered by liquefied natural gas will carry Volkswagen Group vehicles from Europe to North America. LNG drive systems will significantly reduce the atmospheric pollutants emitted by the ships. Each ship will carry up to 6,500 vehicles.

Over the coming months, the shipyard, Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry, will build two LNG ships which will then be operated by Siem Car Carriers and chartered by Volkswagen Group Logistics. The engines for the ships will be supplied by MAN Diesel & Turbo.

Compared with conventional vessels, the LNG ships will reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 25%, NO_x by up to 30%, particulates by up to 60% and sulfur oxides by as much as 100%.