Tsuneishi Shipbuilding gets an order for methanol dual fuel containerships

Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has received an order for four methanol dual-fuel containerships.

PHOTO: A model of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s methanol-fuelled containership. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

The 5,900 TEU vessels will be able to run on both methanol and conventional marine fuel.

Japanese engineering firm Mitsui E&S will provide the dual-fuel engine for the vessels, making it “the first in Japan to be installed.” The vessels are also Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s “first order for a methanol-fueled container carrier,” the shipbuilder claims.

The development of these vessels is an effort towards achieving zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in shipping through the use of green methanol, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding says.

Green methanol is “methanol synthesized from recovered CO2 and hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources," the company says.

The vessels will be equipped with shaft generators, which utilise waste heat from the main engine to generate additional power, thereby improving the vessels' fuel efficiency. They will also feature shore power systems that will help in achieving zero emissions while berthing.

The onboard generators, which will be supplied by South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai, can also be powered by methanol to help reduce emissions.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has, however, not disclosed any details regarding the buyer of the vessels or the expected delivery dates for the same.

Shipowners are increasingly turning to methanol as a low-emission alternative to conventional marine fuels. Last month, Greek dry bulk shipping company Diana Shipping ordered two methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carriers through Japanese conglomerate Marubeni.

Also in the same month, Singapore-based Asiatic Lloyd Maritime revealed plans to convert its "future fleet" of bulk carriers from diesel propulsion to methanol.

By Tuhin Roy

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