On December 22, China State Shipbuilding Corporation Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (DSIC) successfully delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel powered intelligent VLCC, the “NEW EXPLORER”, to China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) four months ahead of schedule.
This VLCC represents DSIC’s eighth-generation self-developed VLCC design, classified by China Classification Society. It boasts outstanding comprehensive performance, including superior seaworthiness, excellent port adaptability, low emissions and intelligent operation capabilities. With a shallower full-load draft than conventional VLCC designs, the vessel significantly enhances navigational convenience through the Strait of Malacca while substantially improving port adaptability.
This VLCC adheres to the design concept of “green, environmentally friendly, intelligent and safe”. It adopts a domestically produced methanol dual-fuel host and methanol fuel supply system. Compared with the use of conventional fuel, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by up to 92%, sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions are reduced by 99%, and particulate matter (PM) emissions are reduced by 90%.
It is equipped with domestically developed intelligent ship-based platforms, intelligent liquid cargo management systems, and intelligent engine room operation and maintenance systems, achieving a triple leap in vessel operational efficiency, safety, and intelligence. Notably, the intelligent liquid cargo management system—meticulously developed by DSIC with fully independent intellectual property rights—integrates over ten systems related to crude oil loading, unloading, and transportation. It features core capabilities including multi-system coordinated control, intelligent loading/unloading operations, and decision support leveraging an expert knowledge base.
The delivery of the “NEW EXPLORER” vessel marks not only a milestone breakthrough for China’s shipbuilding industry in green and intelligent transformation, but also a landmark achievement where DSIC and CMES jointly advance the national “dual carbon” strategy and lead the shipping industry toward low-carbon development.
Going forward, DSIC will firmly adhere to the development direction of intelligence, green, and integration, focus on tackling key original technologies, accelerate the formation of a series of green and intelligent ship supply capabilities, and jointly promote the high-quality development of China’s shipbuilding and shipping industries with more advanced technologies, higher-quality products and more efficient services.