On May 14, the “OOCL Wisdom,” the world’s first 24,000-TEU methanol-dual-fuel container ship—entirely designed and developed in-house by Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS)—began its sea trials.
Zhang Haidong, Director of Safety at NACKS, explained that the vessel’s key innovation lies in its installation of the world’s largest methanol-dual-fuel main engine, auxiliary engines, and boilers, enabling flexible switching between methanol and conventional fuel modes. “When using green methanol, a single vessel can reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 150,000 metric tons, virtually eliminate sulfur oxide emissions, and significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, aligning with global shipping decarbonization goals,” said Zhang Haidong.
Due to factors such as daily water conditions and weather, large vessels must take advantage of the rising tide to exit the river; missing this window would increase operational costs for companies. “We coordinate with shipping companies in advance to understand their needs, streamline inspection procedures, and conduct identity verification and vessel inspections simultaneously to ensure safe and efficient river departures,” said Wu Songhua, political instructor of the Second Duty Squad at the Nantong Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station.
Following the completion of this trial voyage, the “OOCL Wisdom” will begin operating on international routes, injecting “Chinese momentum” into the global shipping industry’s transition toward a greener, low-carbon future.