Tsuneishi Group Launches Largest Methanol Dual-Fuel Container Vessel to Date
Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding (TZS), the Chinese manufacturing arm of Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, has successfully launched a methanol dual-fuel container vessel for an undisclosed owner.
Unveiled on August 27, the 5,900 TEU boxship is the largest of its kind ever built by the Group. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in February next year.
Engineered under Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s “final solution” concept, the vessel aims to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. It will utilize green methanol—synthesized from recovered CO2 and hydrogen sourced from renewable energy—or bio-methanol derived from biomass.
Both the vessel’s main engine and onboard generators, including the HiMSEN engine built by South Korea’s HD Hyundai, are capable of operating on methanol fuel.
In addition to its alternative fuel capability, the ship is outfitted with shore power compatibility for large-capacity electrical supply. This allows the onboard generators to be shut down while docked, further reducing carbon emissions in port operations.
The containership also features Tsuneishi’s proprietary MT-FAST energy-saving device, co-developed with MTI Co., a part of the NYK Group. This system improves propulsion efficiency by approximately 4% by regulating water flow using multiple fins placed in front of the propeller.
This vessel is part of a four-ship order placed in October 2023—Tsuneishi’s third series of methanol-fueled vessels following the KAMSARMAX AEROLINE, TESS66 AEROLINE, and the inaugural methanol-fueled container ship.
In the bulk carrier segment, Tsuneishi has secured multiple methanol-fueled ship orders and plans to transition entirely to dual-fuel vessel production by 2035. Notably, in July 2024, Japan’s ORIX Corporation ordered two such units.
Earlier, Tsuneishi’s Philippines base, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (THI), celebrated a milestone by launching what it described as the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulker, as recently reported by Offshore Energy.
