China shipbuilding industry’s first methanol-fueled Ultramax bulk carrier receives ABS approval

Lemissoler Navigation Ltd. and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) received ABS approval in principle (AIP) for its design of a 65K DWT methanol-fueled ultramax bulk carrier, the first such methanol vessel for China’s shipbuilding industry.

The design explores the feasibility of using methanol as fuel to accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions to reach the IMO’s net-zero target by 2050. With the implementation of EU ETS and FuelEU regulations, the vessel, when burning green methanol, will have a greater potential to reduce the cost related to carbon emissions. The vessel has been thoroughly optimized and its preliminary Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) was reviewed and indicated that the vessel exceeds EEDI Phase 3 standards. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.