Recently, NYK announced that the methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier “Green Future,” operated by its subsidiary NYK Bulk & Projects, has used low-carbon methanol fuel. This fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 65% over its full lifecycle from production to use compared to traditional fuels.
This initiative was applied to a voyage transporting copper concentrate for BHP, one of the world’s largest mining companies. The low-carbon methanol fuel used on this voyage is produced from biomass feedstock and has obtained ISCC EU certification. This certification is an international standard ensuring the sustainability and traceability of biomass and biofuels.
It is understood that the “Green Future” was built by Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. It is the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier and the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group fleet equipped with a dual-fuel engine for methanol and heavy oil. It is chartered by NYK subsidiary NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers from shipowner Kambara Kisen.
The “Green Future” was completed and delivered in May 2025. It bunkered low-carbon methanol fuel at Ulsan Port, South Korea, in September 2025. In January 2026, the vessel loaded copper concentrate in Chile and is scheduled to discharge the cargo in China in March of the same year.
The “Green Future” is 199.99 meters long, 32.25 meters wide, with a deadweight tonnage of 65,700 DWT, a cargo hold capacity of 81,500 cubic meters, and a draft of 13.8 meters. Compared to traditional heavy oil-fueled vessels, operating on methanol fuel can reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by 99%, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 10%. If green methanol is used as fuel, it can further achieve carbon neutrality, significantly reducing environmental impact.
To balance operational safety and loading efficiency, the vessel features a large-capacity methanol fuel tank installed on the stern deck. This maintains the convenience of cargo handling operations without affecting overall cargo capacity. The cargo hold capacity is 81,500 cubic meters, and the deadweight tonnage remains at 65,700 tons, continuing the advantage of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s TESS66 design as the largest cargo capacity class among Ultramax vessels. In terms of fuel economy, the vessel employs a high-efficiency main engine combined with Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s proprietary “AEROLINE” wind resistance reduction technology, achieving excellent energy-saving performance.
The NYK Group stated that it will continue to collaborate with cargo owners to promote the application of low-carbon fuels and contribute to the decarbonization of the international shipping industry.
