On the morning of July 12, the LNG dual-fuel 16,000 TEU container ship “MSC SAVANNAH,” built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group’s Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding for Doun Kisen and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), departed from the shipyard dock and was officially delivered into operation.
Construction of the vessel began in mid-May 2024, with dock assembly completed by late October. It was launched in mid-March 2025 and successfully completed sea trials in late June 2025, with all test results meeting design standards.
On July 8, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, Doun Kisen, and MSC jointly held a naming and blessing ceremony for the new vessel. Attendees included the naming sponsor, Mr. Kohei Kiyofuji; Mr. Genji Okochi, Chairman of Doun Kisen Co., Ltd.; Mr. Yang Haitao, Manager of MSC’s Newbuilding Department stationed at Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding; Mr. Liu Yinjun, Deputy General Manager of Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding; Mr. Zhuang Huaping, Manager of DNV’s Jiangyin Station Jingjiang Office; as well as representatives from the shipowner’s supervision team, inspection authorities, shipyard, and crew members.
During the ceremony, Mr. Kohei Kiyofuji named the vessel “MSC SAVANNAH.” Ms. Chiyo Okochi performed the traditional rope-cutting, champagne-smashing, and whistle-blowing rituals. She also signed the ship’s commemorative frame alongside the captain, wishing the crew safe voyages and hoping the vessel would bring honor and prosperity to its owners and charterers.
On July 10, Mr. CH Giuseppe Gargiulo, MSC’s Newbuilding Manager for China, and Mr. Yang Xueyan, Assistant General Manager of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group and General Manager of Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding, signed the delivery documents on behalf of their respective companies.
It is reported that Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group is constructing a total of 12 LNG dual-fuel 16,000 TEU container ships for MSC. The vessels measure approximately 366 meters in overall length, with a length between perpendiculars of 355.4 meters, a beam of 51 meters, a depth of 30.2 meters, a design draft of 14.5 meters, and a structural draft of 17 meters. Equipped with energy-saving features such as shaft generators, air lubrication systems, rudder bulbs, and twisted fins, the dual-fuel main engine employs ECOEGR optimization to meet Tier III emission standards while further reducing fuel consumption.
This vessel type represents another large container ship built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group following the LNG dual-fuel 7,000 TEU series, featuring a Type B LNG fuel tank made of 9Ni steel with a capacity exceeding 13,000 cubic meters.
Additionally, starting from the fourth vessel in the series, wind deflectors have been installed to reduce wind resistance during navigation, thereby lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions, further enhancing the vessel’s green and efficient operation.
