Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry and Cosco Shipping Container Lines in Shanghai have signed a contract for the construction of twelve 14,000 TEU container ships with dual-fuel methanol propulsion.
The new vessels are part of a generation of ship types jointly developed by Cosco Shipping Lines, Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry and the China Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering Design and Research Institute. With a length of 335.9 m and a width of 51 m, the ships offer space for 13,700 standard containers (TEU) and a high loading capacity for refrigerated containers, which was not specified by the company.
Green technology for lower emissions
In addition, the new carriers are equipped with what the company claims is the world’s most powerful permanent magnet shaft generator, a bow wind deflector, an air lubrication system for the hull and intelligent systems developed by Cosco Shipping that meet the third phase of EEDI energy efficiency indicators and the latest cyber security regulations. The main engine and generator will both run on methanol to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Delivery is reportedly planned for 2027 to 2029. The newbuilds will cost a total of US$2.15bn and will be used on routes between China and South America.
Cosco converts eight more vessels to methanol propulsion
Cosco Shipping Holdings is currently focusing on a combination of building new vessels and modernising existing ones to accelerate the company’s transition to a green and low-carbon fleet. The company has signed contracts to convert eight vessels to methanol dual-fuel propulsion in addition to ordering the twelve 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships, while promoting green development practices such as all-electric ship operation and biofuel pilot projects.
