On November 27, Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard delivered the second-generation 15,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel chemical tanker to the shipowner 44 days ahead of schedule. The vessel departed the berth on November 28 and commenced commercial operations.
The second-generation 15,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel chemical tanker integrates a hybrid propulsion system, shore power technology and sail-assisted propulsion. Featuring a modular innovative design, this vessel supports three fuel types—marine gas oil (MGO), biofuel, and methanol—reducing carbon emissions by over 50% compared to conventional ships of the same class. The onboard intelligent energy management system automatically switches power modes based on real-time navigation conditions to achieve optimal operational efficiency.
This vessel design, recognized for its forward-thinking approach, won the “Next Generation Ship” award at the Nor-Shipping 2023. The jury commended it for setting a new environmental benchmark in chemical transportation. At the delivery ceremony, the shipowner’s representative announced the vessel will operate on the Europe-to-Asia route. Its methanol fuel system is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3,000 tons annually, providing practical guidance for the shipping industry’s low-carbon transition.
The successful delivery of this vessel marks Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard’s mastery of the entire industrial chain technology for methanol dual-fuel vessels. Moving forward, the shipbuilder will leverage this technological breakthrough as a foundation to deepen its expertise in core green vessel technologies. Focusing on “zero-carbon vessel” R&D, it will contribute to the shipping industry’s green development through more sophisticated craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies.