At 8:18 AM on August 27th, the first methanol dual-fuel 5900TEU container ship built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding (Zhoushan) was successfully launched at the Tsuneishi Zhoushan Xiushan shipyard and is expected to be completed in February 2026.
In response to the continuous growth in market demand in recent years, this 5900TEU type container ship is the largest container ship built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding to date, capable of loading up to 5915 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in its cargo holds and on deck. To meet the growing demand for refrigerated containers in recent years, it can carry up to 1400 refrigerated containers.
In terms of technical application, the ship features an optimized hull form and incorporates Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s proprietary energy-saving technology, MT-FAST. This energy-saving device, jointly developed by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and the NYK Group’s MTI, improves propulsion efficiency by approximately 4% by installing multiple fins in front of the propeller to regulate water flow. Furthermore, the ship is equipped with a large-capacity shaft generator. As a dual-fuel vessel, the new ship achieves top-class loading performance while its fuel efficiency is not inferior to that of comparable heavy oil-fueled ships.
The ship is equipped with a methanol dual-fuel engine, the Mitsui-MAN B&W 6G80ME-C10.5-LGIM-EGRTC, manufactured by Mitsui E&S. This engine is the first methanol dual-fuel equipment to be put into practical use in Japan.
Developed with the core concept of becoming an ultimate solution for zero CO2 emissions, this ship uses green methanol fuel. Therefore, not only is the main engine methanol-fueled, but the installed Hyundai Heavy Industries HiMSEN engine (8H32DF-LM) generator also supports methanol fuel, fully contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality goals. Additionally, the ship is equipped with facilities to handle a high-capacity shore power supply system, allowing generators to be shut down while at anchor to further achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions.
Yoshifumi Murakami, General Manager of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding (Zhoushan), stated: “The launch of the methanol dual-fuel 5900TEU container ship is a milestone in the history of Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. We will continue to build new fuel vessels that reduce environmental impact, enhance vessel added value, and ensure product safety and quality. Through these efforts, we are committed to realizing a society where people and the environment coexist harmoniously and contributing to a sustainable and better future.”
