Zhāoshāng Industrial Weihai Shipyard names a dual-fuel car carrier for EPS

On May 7th, a naming ceremony was held at the No. 5 wharf of CIMC Raffles Shipyard Weihai for the sixth 7,000-car capacity dual-fuel car carrier, "LAKE VICTORIA" (W0305), built for Singapore's Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS).

Attendees included EPS CFO Ken Cambie, ICBC Financial Leasing Vice President Wang Zhenyong, LR China General Manager Shi Xingtai, CIMC Raffles Vice General Manager Mei Zhonghua, and CIMC Raffles Weihai Shipyard General Manager Fang Yunhu.

Ken Cambie stated that EPS and CIMC Raffles Weihai Shipyard overcame numerous challenges during their collaboration, ensuring the successful delivery of the first five vessels. The naming of this dual-fuel + battery hybrid car carrier, "LAKE VICTORIA," symbolizes not only a technological breakthrough but also the extraordinary resilience demonstrated through collaboration with CIMC Raffles and financial partner ICBC Financial Leasing. He expressed anticipation for continued collaboration and mutual success in the future.

Wang Zhenyong stated that this naming ceremony marks a milestone in their collaboration and a starting point for further cooperation. He highlighted CIMC Raffles as a long-term trusted partner of ICBC Leasing, expressing gratitude to the Weihai Shipyard team, classification society representatives, and Clarksons colleagues for their dedication and professionalism in creating this maritime masterpiece. He emphasized that in the face of market fluctuations, ICBC Leasing will continue to rely on three pillars—innovative financial solutions, expanded market channels, and deepened collaborative development—to overcome challenges and seize opportunities with its partners.

Shi Xingtai noted that the EPS series of 7,000-car capacity car carriers are equipped with LNG power and a hybrid system of shaft-driven generators and batteries, aligning with the industry's shift towards green and low-carbon development. This showcases CIMC Raffles' strength in this field. LR is honored to provide classification and survey services for this project and expressed gratitude for the trust, support, and friendship of all partners, hoping to maintain a strong collaborative relationship and achieve future success together.

Mei Zhonghua stated in his address that CIMC Raffles consistently upholds the principles of 'customer first, excellence in execution.' Since 2023, five 7,000-car dual-fuel car carriers have been delivered to EPS, and the sixth vessel, which is being named, is nearing delivery. This marks the successful completion of this series of dual-fuel car carriers. He expressed gratitude for the trust and support of EPS and all parties involved. CIMC Raffles will continue to allocate resources and organize production to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of satisfactory products to the shipowner, and looks forward to further cooperation with EPS.

The ceremony was attended by the EPS on-site representative, LR on-site surveyor, CIMC Raffles Weihai Shipyard leadership team members, department heads, and project team members.