Tsuneishi launches ‘world’s first’ methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier (Gallery)

November 26, 2024, by Ajsa Habibic

Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has launched what it claims to be the world’s first 65,700 dwt methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier, designed to operate with a low environmental impact, high load-carrying capacity, and fuel efficiency.

The newbuild featuring characteristics of Tsuneishi’s TESS666 Aeroline design, known as the largest class of Ultramax category with Panamax breadth, was launched on November 22 in Tsuneishi Factory. The vessel is scheduled for delivery next spring.

Courtesy of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

According to the shipbuilder, by using methanol as fuel, this bulker is expected to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by up to 99%, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by up to 10% compared with heavy oil, and contribute to reducing environmental impact.

The large-capacity methanol fuel tank was placed on to maintain safety and simplicity in cargo loading and unloading, while at the same time ensuring loading performance, Tsuneishi explained.

The vessel has a cargo hold capacity of 81,500 cubic meters (cbm) and a deadweight of 65,700 mt, inheriting the characteristics of TESS66 which offers high performance for the use of a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s Aeroline technology for reducing wind resistance.

Germany’s MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), through its licensee Mitsui E&S Machinery, was contracted to provide its MAN B&W 6G50ME-LGIM engine for the 65,700 dwt bulk carrier.

Date Masatoshi, Managing Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “We were able to build and launch our 1st vessel of next generation, which we have been developing to achieve carbon neutrality in accordance with the ‘Technology Development Roadmap’ incorporated into our medium-term management policy.

“Starting with full in-house manufacturing of pressure tanks for LPG carriers delivered in January this year, we have also started full-scale manufacturing of LNG fuel tanks and the technology developed in the full in-house manufacturing of pressure tanks is being applied to the production of methanol fuel tanks.

“In the future, we will further strengthen our technology deployment and collaboration with group companies to build the vessels of methanol dual-fuelled at our overseas factories and lead the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industry as an environmentally friendly company.”