COSCO Orders 12 Methanol-Powered Containerships

COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry and COSCO SHIPPING Container Lines have signed a contract for the construction of twelve 14,000 TEU containerships with dual-fuel methanol propulsion.

The move underscores COSCO SHIPPING’s commitment to green and low-carbon development in the maritime industry.

The new vessels, measuring 335.9 meters in length and 51 meters in width, are a joint development between COSCO SHIPPING Lines, COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry, and the China Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering Design and Research Institute. They feature innovative designs including an invisible bulb bow and stern energy-saving device, offering a loading capacity of 13,700 standard containers.

Equipped with advanced green technologies, the ships boast “the world’s most powerful permanent magnet shaft generator, a bow wind deflector, an air lubrication system for the hull, and intelligent systems,” according to COSCO SHIPPING. The dual-fuelled main engine and generator, both powered by methanol, are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The contract is part of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings’ broader strategy to accelerate its fleet’s green transition. The company has also ordered twelve 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships and signed contracts to convert eight existing ships to methanol dual-fuel propulsion.

“In the future, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings will continue to focus on the new ways of ‘digital intelligence’ and ‘green and low-carbon’, strive for innovation and accelerate upgrades,” a company statement read. The initiative aims to “create more value for shareholders” while contributing to global sustainable development.