China's 1st methanol dual-fuel green ship delivered in Nansha

China's first methanol dual-fuel green ship. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

China's first methanol dual-fuel green ship was delivered in Guangzhou's Nansha district, local media outlets reported on July 6.

The 49,900-metric-ton methanol dual-fuel chemical oil tanker was independently developed and built by Guangzhou Shipyard International. Named Stena Proman, it is equipped with the world's leading methanol dual-fuel drive system, which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 75 percent, nitrogen emissions by 15 percent, as well as sulfur and particulate matter emissions by 99 percent. Its use will contribute to the global emission reductions of Chinese ships.

The ship has utilized a series of world-leading energy-saving emission reduction and green environmental protection technologies during the design and construction process.

The ship's methanol dual-fuel drive system can utilize four fuel modes: fuel oil, fuel hydrate, methanol, and methanol hydrate. It is the first application of hydrate fuel solutions in the field of ships, which can control the combustion state to reduce exhaust emissions. It can meet the highest emission requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) without installing an exhaust gas treatment system.

In order to more effectively reduce energy consumption and ship operating costs, Guangzhou Shipyard International has carried out in-depth optimization of the hull shape of this type of ship, as well as equipped the ship with various energy-saving devices like new shaft generators and front ducts, which can more effectively improve the performance of the ship, while also promoting energy saving and emission reductions.

Methanol is currently available in more than 100 ports around the world. Compared with fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol is more convenient for storage and transportation, as well as boasts lower infrastructure renovation costs. It has significant cost and safety advantages, which has made it rapidly develop into one of the most viable, least carbon-emitting, as well as lowest-cost marine fuel alternatives.

A total of six 49,900-ton methanol dual-fuel chemical tankers were ordered for this delivery.

Methanol dual fuel main engine. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

Methanol dual fuel system. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]