Tsuneishi Shipbuilding: ‘World’s first’ methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker is here

Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has delivered the “world’s first” methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future.

The 65,700 dwt vessel, featuring a length of 199 meters and a breadth of 32.25 meters, was delivered on May 13 and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

According to the shipbuilder, the newbuild embodies characteristics of Tsuneishi’s TESS666 Aeroline design , known as the largest class of Ultramax category with Panamax breadth, while promising more sustainable operations using methanol as a fuel.

Specifically, the vessel is said to be able to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by up to 99%, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by up to 10% compared to conventional heavy fuel oil.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency, Tsuneishi explained, noting that with a deadweight of 65,700 mt and a cargo hold capacity of 81,500 m3, the vessel inherits the loading performance of TESS66, which ranks among the highest in the Ultramax category.

Green Future is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance.

Okumura Sachio , Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said this delivery marks just the beginning as the shipbuilder continues constructing methanol dual-fueled vessels at its overseas facilities and pursuing technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.

Just recently, Tsuneishi celebrated several milestones in the construction of methanol-fueled vessels, including a Kamsarmax bulk carrier being built at its base in the Philippines and a 5,900 TEU containership in China.