Tsuneishi expands methanol bulker production with first Zhoushan delivery

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has delivered the first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier built at its Chinese production base, extending its alternative-fuel construction programme across its international shipyard network. Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding handed over the vessel on 28 October 2026, the Japanese shipbuilder announced the following day.

The delivery follows the completion of the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax at Tsuneishi’s Philippine facility in January 2026. It also expands the Zhoushan yard’s methanol vessel portfolio beyond container ships.

What does the delivery add to Zhoushan’s capabilities?

The new bulk carrier can operate on methanol or conventional marine fuel. Tsuneishi said its Chinese yard had previously built four methanol dual-fuel container ships, each with a capacity of 5,900 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Adding a bulk carrier to that construction record represents progress towards repeat production of alternative-fuel vessels across different ship types.

The Kamsarmax is one of Tsuneishi’s principal designs, with more than 400 vessels completed. The company said demand for alternative-fuel ships was increasing as international environmental requirements became more stringent.

Which vessel has joined the fleet?

The delivered ship has been identified as Kypros Island, built for Safe Bulkers. The owner’s earlier launch announcement described it as an 81,200-deadweight-tonne Kamsarmax, carrying hull number SS386 and flying the Cyprus flag.

The vessel was launched on 25 June 2026 at Tsuneishi’s Xiushan Island shipyard in the Zhoushan region. At that stage, Safe Bulkers scheduled delivery for the end of October as part of its fleet renewal programme.

The project follows Tsuneishi’s October 2023 announcement of contracts with Itochu Corporation and Safe Bulkers for two methanol-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carriers. Their original completion window extended from the second half of 2026 into the first half of 2027.

How does the design accommodate methanol?

For the two-ship programme, Tsuneishi developed an arrangement incorporating a large independent methanol tank at the stern. The shipbuilder said this location preserved cargo-hold capacity while supporting cargo handling and maintenance.

The design also incorporated hull-form improvements and an upgraded version of Tsuneishi’s AEROLINE technology, which reduces wind resistance through changes to the vessel’s shape.

Tsuneishi retained many of the established Kamsarmax design’s principal dimensions and specifications to preserve its operational versatility.

According to the shipbuilder, methanol operation can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to approximately 80%, sulphur oxide emissions by up to 99% and carbon dioxide emissions by up to approximately 10%, compared with heavy fuel oil. These are company-stated performance figures, rather than reported measurements from the vessel’s commercial service.

How does this build on the Philippine programme?

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) delivered Brave Pioneer, the first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax, on 15 January 2026. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. named the vessel at its ceremony.

The 229-metre design combines a shallow draught and low air draught to support access to a broad range of ports, including Kamsar in Guinea. Its completion established the group’s initial construction experience with methanol propulsion in this bulk-carrier class.

Tsuneishi is also examining conversions of existing ships. In April 2025, classification society ClassNK granted approval in principle to a methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax retrofit concept developed with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.

That review covered regulatory feasibility, including fuel-tank arrangements and fuel-supply systems. It represents a separate development pathway alongside the newbuilding programme, rather than confirmation of a completed conversion.