On September 29, China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Beihai Shipbuilding held a steel cutting ceremony for the first vessel of its tailor-made next-generation GuaibaMax 325,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel very-large ore carrier (VLOC) designed for Brazil’s Vale. This marks the project’s official entry into the substantive construction phase.
This VLOC adopts a dual-fuel propulsion system utilizing methanol and fuel oil. The vessel is designed with an overall length of 340.0 meters, a beam of 62.0 meters, a depth of 29.5 meters, a structural draft of 21.15 meters, and an average speed of 15.1 knots. It incorporates provisions for future fuel conversion to LNG, ammonia, and other alternatives.
The vessel is equipped with a comprehensive energy-saving solution, including wind turbines, high-voltage shore power, shaft generators, and frequency conversion for key equipment. Classified by DNV/CCS, it meets NOx Tier III and EEDI Phase III requirements for both methanol and conventional fuel operation. This technological approach balances current energy efficiency with future adaptability to green fuels.
The commencement of the first vessel’s construction marks a substantive milestone in the collaboration between Beihai Shipbuilding, Vale, Shandong Shipping, and Bohai Ocean Shipping in the field of green and low-carbon transportation. With green financial support from partners including Bank Of Beijing Financial Leasing, Minsheng Financial Leasing, ICBC Leasing, and BOC Leasing, the project is progressing steadily according to schedule.
Meanwhile, this project underscores Beihai Shipbuilding’s leading capabilities and brand reputation in the VLOC sector. As a widely recognized enterprise in this field, Beihai Shipbuilding will continue to spearhead the evolution of this vessel type toward greener and smarter solutions.