Tsuneishi bags 13 orders for methanol-fueled Kamsarmaxes, eyes exclusive dual-fueled vessel production by 2035

Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Shipbuilding aims to exclusively produce dual-fueled vessels by 2035, transitioning away from ships equipped with crude oil-based engines.

The move is part of the shipyard’s strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050 by implementing eco-friendly practices across all aspects of its business, including ship development, manufacturing, and operations.

Under the strategy, the Japanese major wants to cut its emissions by 30% by 2030 and 60 % by 2040, before reaching its goal of carbon neutrality in 2050.

The goal is expected to be achieved by 90% emission reduction combined with credit offsetting programs.

Tsuinesihi Shipbuilding, like many Japanese shipbuilders, has been focusing its research and development on alternative fuels and sustainable solutions as a way of building up a competitive advantage over Chinese and South Korean rivals.

The shipbuilder has spearheaded the development of methanol-fueled vessels that utilize green methanol as fuel resulting in zero emissions.

The result has been the world’s first Kamsarmax methanol dual-fueled bulk carrier. By incorporating methanol and advanced hull design, the Kamsarmax bulk carrier reduces CO2 emissions by 15%. Equipped with a large-capacity methanol fuel tank, the vessel ensures ample cruising distance via improved fuel efficiency, Tsuneishi says.

According to the Japanese shipbuilder, 13 methanol-fuelled Kamsarmax vessels have been ordered since January 2023.

These include J. Lauritzen’s recently signed letter of intent (LoI) for the construction of at least two methanol dual-fuel bulk carriers which will be capable of trading with zero-carbon emissions when powered by green methanol and biodiesel.

The vessels are ordered in partnership with Swiss freight trader Cargill, who will be operating the vessels for a minimum period of seven years.

Cargill also formed a similar partnership with Mitsu & Co. by ordering a methanol-fueled Kamsarmax duo from the Japanese shipyard. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding will deliver the ships at the end of 2025 and in the first quarter of 2026 respectively.

In addition to the Kamsarmax, Tsuinesihi Shipbuilding has plans to develop dual-fueled medium-sized bulk carriers and container ships in the near future.

In April 2023, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding in cooperation with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co won Approval in Principle (AiP) for a jointly developed, ammonia-fueled ocean-going liquefied gas carrier from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) and Lloyd’s Register of Shipping.

This is the first case ever that two classes AiP, ClassNK and Lloyd’s, have been issued.

The vessel is a mid-size ammonia/LPG carrier equipped with a main engine that can run on ammonia, which emits no CO2 during combustion. The vessel uses some of the ammonia loaded as cargo as fuel, with the aim of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions while underway.