On September 28, a maiden voyage ceremony for the world’s first methanol dual-fuel ro-ro vessel, the 9,300 CEU “CM HONG KONG”, was held in Hong Kong.
The “CM HONG KONG” vessel, ordered by China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), is the world’s first large car carrier equipped with a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system. Its power system supports flexible switching between fuel oil and methanol, meeting the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards. When using green methanol, it can reduce emissions by over 70%.
The vessel measures 219.9 meters in length overall and 37.7 meters in beam, with a design capacity of 9,300 standard vehicle spaces and an actual capacity of 9,492.
Its total loading area is 78,416 square meters, equivalent to approximately 11 standard soccer fields. It features 13 loading decks, including three adjustable lift decks and three dedicated decks for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Dual loading/unloading channels at the stern and sides boost handling efficiency by 30%. The vessel is fitted with 156 closed-circuit television surveillance systems, and all 13 decks are equipped with coupled thermal imaging infrared sensors to ensure safety.
It is reported that the “CM HONG KONG” vessel will make its maiden voyage on the China-Europe route, proceeding to Europe after unloading cargo in Hong Kong.
CMES stated that the company will fully leverage the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s free port to participate in promoting the city’s “green fuel trade + port services” model. This initiative aims to foster new economic growth points, attract more international vessels to bunker with green fuels in Hong Kong, and inject fresh momentum into the development of Hong Kong as a green shipping hub.