Tsuneishi to deliver methanol-fuelled Ultramax by 2025

Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Shipbuilding will build a methanol-fuelled Ultramax bulker, with delivery planned in 2025.

Tsuneishi has received an order to build the 65,700 dead-weight tonne (dwt) vessel, that can run on methanol and conventional marine fuel oil. The company did not disclose the charterer or the cargo type.

Domestic engineering firm Mitsui E&S will provide the dual-fuel engine, with the engine expected to cut 80pc of nitrogen oxide, 99pc of sulphur oxide and 10pc of CO2, compared with existing bunker fuels. It can also burn green methanol, which includes synthetic methanol produced from hydrogen and CO2, as well as biomass-sourced methanol.

This came after Tsuneishi received an order in January to build two methanol-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carrier for US-based trading firm Cargill. The three vessels are designed to have their fuel-methanol tanks placed on the deck of the stern of the ships, allowing for long-haul voyages and large cargo spaces.