Shanghai, China – July 16, 2025 – Marking a major milestone in green marine fuel adoption, COSCO Shipping Lines completed a successful ship-to-ship transfer of 1,000 metric tons of green methanol to its new dual-fuel container vessel, the COSCO Shipping Yangpu. The operation, conducted on July 11 at the Shengdong Terminal of Yangshan Deep-Water Port, is China’s first large-scale methanol bunkering for an ocean-going container ship and signals a new chapter for sustainable bunkering in East Asia.
The green methanol was supplied by the “Hai Gang Zhi Yuan,” a dedicated methanol bunkering vessel. Following the seamless bunkering and cargo operations, the COSCO Shipping Yangpu is now poised to begin its journey to the East Coast of the United States, carrying Chinese goods to vital ports such as New York.
Table of Contents
A Triumph of “Made in China” Innovation
The COSCO Shipping Yangpu, delivered on June 20, is not merely a vessel; it represents a series of historic breakthroughs in the field of large-scale methanol dual-fuel ship construction. Built by Yangzhou COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, a subsidiary of COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, it is:
- The first order from a domestic shipowner for a large methanol dual-fuel container ship.
- The first delivered by a domestic shipyard of its kind.
- The first actual ship application of a domestically produced methanol main engine, developed by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
These achievements underscore China’s emergence as a global leader in this specialized shipbuilding segment, providing a “Chinese solution” to the green and low-carbon transformation of the global shipping industry.
An Ocean-Going Giant with Cutting-Edge Technology
Measuring an impressive 366 meters in total length, 51 meters in beam, and with a maximum capacity of 16,136 TEUs, the COSCO Shipping Yangpu is a true “ocean-going giant.” Its state-of-the-art features include:
- An 11,000 cubic meter super-large methanol storage tank, providing sufficient capacity for a one-way voyage from the Far East to the U.S. East Coast without the need for midway refueling. This is particularly significant given methanol’s lower energy density compared to conventional fuels.
- Equipped with China’s first domestically produced methanol dual-fuel main engine, methanol dual-fuel marine boiler, and the first methanol generator sets applied in a Chinese container ship.
- A sophisticated dual-fuel system that allows for seamless switching between methanol and conventional fuels based on route requirements, demonstrating exceptional operational flexibility and stability that meets top international standards.
A New Benchmark for Environmental Protection
The COSCO Shipping Yangpu sets new industry records in terms of green and low-carbon performance. Its energy consumption indicators are world-leading in both fuel and methanol modes. The vessel’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) meets stringent IMO Phase III standards, boasting a remarkable 54.4% lower emission rate than the IMO baseline.
Crucially, when operating on green methanol, this vessel is projected to reduce approximately 120,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, an environmental benefit equivalent to the carbon sequestration effect of planting 6.7 million trees. To ensure the safe application of methanol fuel, the ship also incorporates innovative features like a “品” (pin-shaped) methanol storage tank design and freshwater purge systems, creating a comprehensive security framework.
Intelligence and Efficiency at Sea
Beyond its environmental prowess, the COSCO Shipping Yangpu is a testament to intelligent shipbuilding. Its streamlined hull, combined with high-efficiency propellers and a fully suspended twisted rudder, significantly reduces water resistance and enhances navigation efficiency.
The ship is also equipped with the world’s largest capacity permanent magnet shaft generator, which not only improves the cabin environment but also reduces maintenance costs. Advanced intelligent systems facilitate real-time data collection and analysis, enabling functions such as route optimization, equipment health monitoring, and hull structure safety warnings. The application of a central control system (ACMS) has dramatically improved overall ship management efficiency.
Shanghai’s Growing Role in Green Shipping
Since Yangshan Port achieved its first domestic green methanol bunkering operation in March this year, Shanghai Port has rapidly established a regular green methanol bunkering service. This has been made possible by efficient coordination across port terminals, storage systems, and bunkering operations.
The successful bunkering of the COSCO Shipping Yangpu further solidifies Shanghai’s transformation into a leading green international shipping center. It signifies the completion of a closed-loop industrial value chain for domestic green methanol production, transportation, and bunkering, providing tangible “Chinese wisdom” and “Chinese solutions” for the global shipping industry’s green and low-carbon transition. The “methanol dual fuel + smart shipping” model exemplified by the COSCO Shipping Yangpu is set to become an important benchmark for future sustainable and intelligent maritime development.
About COSCO SHIPPING Lines
COSCO SHIPPING Lines is a key business unit of COSCO SHIPPING Group, established through the merger of COSCO Container Lines Co., Ltd. and China Shipping Container Lines CO., Ltd. in 2016. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company operates a vast global shipping network, with domestic branches in nine major Chinese ports and international offices across Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, West Asia, South America, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Africa.
As of July 2024, COSCO SHIPPING Lines owns and operates 403 container vessels with a total capacity of 2.3 million TEUs. Including its subsidiary Orient Overseas International, the fleet expands to 529 vessels with a total capacity of 3.2 million TEUs.
With 413 shipping routes, including 275 international routes, the company services 617 ports in 145 countries and regions. Employing 16,700 professionals worldwide, COSCO SHIPPING Lines remains a leader in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the global shipping industry.
Source COSCO SHIPPING Lines