TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. announced that TSUNEISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES (CEBU), Inc. (hereinafter “THI”), its manufacturing base in the Philippines, has successfully delivered the world’s first Methanol Dual-Fuelled KAMSARMAX Bulk Carrier on 15 January 2026. At the naming ceremony, the vessel was named “BRAVE PIONEER” by H.E. President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in THI’s efforts to advance sustainable shipbuilding and support the decarbonisation of the maritime industry. By adopting methanol as a propulsion fuel, the vessel achieves a reduction of approximately 10% in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 80% in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 99% in sulphur oxide (SOx) during operations compared with conventional vessels. The use of green methanol further enhances the vessel’s potential to reduce environmental impact and promote environmentally responsible shipping.
The KAMSARMAX design is renowned for its high versatility. The vessel features both a shallow draft and low air draft, enabling access to a wide range of ports worldwide. With a length of 229 metres, the vessel is also capable of entering Kamsar Port in the Republic of Guinea.
Mr OKUMURA Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. commented:
“We are extremely proud to have completed and delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuelled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier at THI. This achievement is the culmination of many years of design expertise, shipbuilding technology and collective efforts of the TSUNEISHI Group’s Shipbuilding Segment.
Decarbonisation will become an ever more critical issue for the maritime industry in the years ahead. Realising the construction of methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas base represents an important step towards establishing mass-production capabilities for environmentally advanced vessels, and strengthens our ability to respond flexibly and swiftly to the evolving needs of our global customer.
Looking ahead, the TSUNEISHI Group’s Shipbuilding Segment will continue to place the highest priority on safety and quality. Through the development and construction of next-generation fuel vessels, we will contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society, while also maintaining our strong commitment to human resource development and communities that support our overseas bases.”