COSCO SHIPPING Names China’s 1st 16,000 TEU Methanol Containership

China’s first 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel containership, MV Cosco Shipping Yangpu, was officially named in Yangzhou on February 18, 2025.

The day was also celebrated as the ninth anniversary of the company’s reorganisation. It was attended by notable figures, including the President of Cosco Shipping, Zhu Bixin, and the Executive Vice President and CFO of Cosco Shipping, Sun Yunfei, alongside officials from Cosco Shipping Holdings, Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), China Classification Society, American Bureau of Shipping, and Jiangsu University of Science and Technology.

The Cosco Shipping Yangpu is the first in a series of methanol-powered vessels under construction by Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Yangzhou. It measures 366 meters in length, with a 51-meter beam and a maximum capacity of 16,136 TEUs.

The vessel is equipped with a WinGD methanol dual-fuel main engine, a methanol dual-fuel generator, and Alfa Laval’s first methanol dual-fuel boiler.

One of its most significant features is its large methanol storage tank, allowing it to complete a one-way voyage between the Far East and the U.S. West Coast in pure methanol mode.

The ship, supported by intelligent systems, is designed to optimise fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Cosco Shipping has been rapidly expanding its methanol-powered fleet. After an initial order in 2022 for 12 methanol-fueled containerships with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs each, the company ordered four more methanol-fueled containerships, each with a capacity of 16,000 TEUs in 2023.

Per reports, the company’s methanol order book has now expanded to 28 vessels.

The second vessel in the series, Cosco Shipping Carnation, was floated out in December 2024, and more ships are expected to follow.

During the ship’s construction and design phase, Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry addressed many technical issues related to methanol fuel application.

The company identified 163 research topics, produced over 200 specialised publications and received 31 invention patents related to methanol technology.

One of the major developments was the creation of China’s first “Terminal Tanker Methanol Bunkering Design Scheme” for large containerships, which was approved by the China classification society.

The first refuelling for Cosco Shipping Yangpu took place on December 26, 2024, at the Yangzhou shipyard.

Methanol is gaining popularity as the leading alternative fuel in the global shipping market due to its low carbon emissions and ease of storage. Unlike conventional fuels, methanol emits no nitrogen oxides or sulfur and produces minimal particulate matter.

It is also considered safer and more cost-effective than other new energy fuels due to lower maintenance costs and market price stability.

Reference: cosco shipping

Source: Maritime Shipping News