Yangzijiang secures contract to build 6 methanol dual-fuel vessels for Maersk

The six vessels will replace currency capacity within Maersk’s fleet.

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding has secured a contract to build six 9,000TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships from A.P. Moller (Maersk), the group’s first order win for methanol dual-fuel container ships.

“These vessels will strategically replace the current capacity within Maersk's fleet, which is in line with our ongoing efforts to support the maritime industry’s green fleet renewal trend, said Ren Letian, executive chairman and CEO of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. 

The six vessels will be fully constructed in-house and due for delivery between 2026 and 2027, Yangzijiang said in a bourse filing.

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Yangzijiang hailed green methanol’s sustainable properties. It is reported to be able to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) by approximately 45% and sulphur oxide (SOx) by approximately 8% compared to conventional fuels per unit energy, according to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Following the regulatory changes by the IMO, the shipping industry is on an accelerated decarbonisation trajectory, noted Letian.

“On that basis, we are optimistic in gaining further grounds in the near term,” Letian said.