For these two boats, Volkswagen is the first automaker to use LNG-powered boats in long-distance overseas car and light-vehicle delivery.

Volkswagen Group said it received the first LNG-fuelled car carrier in Davisville, Rhode Island, the US port on Wednesday.

On June 16, the Siem Confucius departed Emden, Germany to embark on their maiden voyage, which involves one stop in the USA.

As well as visiting Davisville, the car carrier will make a stop in Veracruz , Mexico ahead of its return route to Emden.

It is the first of two LNG-powered vessels chartered by the German giant from Siem Car Car Carriers to replace their traditional, heavy oil-powered vessels.

All ships have 13 car decks and are capable of handling as many as 4,800 Volkswagen cars at a time.The vessels carry two 1.800 cubic meter volume LNG tanks, each.

Volkswagen will use both the ships from Emden to Mexico on the trans-Atlantic route, the so-called America Round Tour. Later this year the second Siem Aristotle vessel will embark on its maiden voyage.

Maritime Business World