Chinese shipbuilder Wuhu Shipyard has kicked off construction of the 89,000 dwt methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier for compatriot shipowner Fujian Guohang Ocean Shipping (GH).
The ship featuring a methanol dual-fuel system compatible with biodiesel and methanol fuels is part of the shipbuilding contract revealed at the beginning of 2024.
Under the contract, Wuhu Shipyard will build four firm units and up to six additional sister vessels.
The ship design was developed by China Classification Society (CCS), GH, and Shanghai Bestway Marine Engineering to enhance the overall performance, reduce steel investment by 2%, and lower the ship’s weight for improved energy efficiency.
The vessels’ power supply system comprises a high-power shaft generator, a shore power system, photovoltaic power generation, and energy storage batteries.
The ship has already been awarded the GDA Ship Type Approval Certificate by CCS, recognizing its compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Wuhu Shipyard is also building four 6,600-ton methanol dual-fuel stainless steel chemical tankers for RFOcean, a London-based firm in the maritime industry.
Earlier this year, the Chinese shipbuilder launched the first out of five new methanol-ready Orca-class ships ordered by Germany-based maritime heavy lift and project cargo carrier SAL Heavy Lift.