On August 17, China achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its inaugural methanol dual-fuel container ship at the New Dayang Shipbuilding Company, a subsidiary of SUMEC Shipbuilding.
This pioneering vessel, named Eco Maestro, is the first of a fleet of 14 ships commissioned by X-Press Feeders, a Singapore-based shipping company. Scheduled to begin service in the second quarter of 2024, the Eco Maestro will operate on feeder routes in Northern Europe.
What sets the Eco Maestro apart is its cutting-edge dual-fuel engines, capable of seamlessly switching between conventional fuel and eco-friendly methanol. This innovation underscores X-Press Feeders’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and makes them the first independent common carrier globally to introduce dual-fuel ships.
The launch of the Eco Maestro represents not only a significant development in maritime technology but also a responsible step towards environmental protection. It signifies X-Press Feeders’ dedication to ensuring efficient and reliable shipments while minimizing the impact on our environment.
Designed by German naval architects TECHNOLOG Servies GmbH, the Eco Maestro boasts impressive specifications. With a deadweight capacity of 13,900 tons (dwt) and the ability to carry 950 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), the vessel spans approximately 148 meters in length and has a width of 27 meters.
The Eco Maestro is powered by an S5ME MAN dual-fuel engine, specially designed to run on green methanol, and has been classed by DNV. In addition to its propulsion technology, the ship incorporates various energy-saving features such as shaft generators, adjustable propellers, and a hanging flap rudder. With a designed speed of 14 knots, these ships not only meet EEDI phase three requirements but also comply with IMO Tier III standards.
Before embarking on its maiden European voyage in the second quarter of 2024, the Eco Maestro will undergo rigorous machinery tests.
One notable design feature of the Eco Maestro and its sister ships is the hatchless configuration, enhancing cargo handling efficiency. The forward placement of the deckhouse and the enclosure of the first deck forward contribute to improved living spaces for the crew.
Eastway, a subsidiary of X-Press Feeders, initially ordered eight dual-fuel container ships in December 2021, with the possibility of additional orders. In June 2023, they placed another order for six more ships with CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, designed for ice-class operations and equipped with methanol propulsion. These vessels are set to be delivered between the third quarter of 2025 and the third quarter of 2026.
With all 14 dual-fuel ships expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2026, X-Press Feeders aims to lead the charge toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping industry.
To secure a supply of green methanol, X-Press Feeders has entered into an off-take agreement with OCI-Global. OCI Global, in partnership with Unibarge, is retrofitting a bunker barge to supply green methanol in Rotterdam, starting in 2024.
X-Press Feeders is resolutely committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with the goal of becoming the preferred environmentally conscious feeder carrier.
In a determined effort to match the rapid progress of shipbuilding giant South Korea, China is aggressively advancing its endeavors in constructing vessels powered by alternative fuels, with a specific focus on methanol propulsion. As methanol gains prominence as the preferred choice for modern container ships, China is positioning itself as a leader in this innovative wave of maritime technology.
