China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, received delivery of the “Gangrong,” a 9300-CEU methanol dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off vessel.
According to the company, it is the world’s first large car carrier equipped with a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system.
The “Gangrong” is the first of six methanol dual-fuel vessels ordered by the company in 2023, including two 9300-CEU carriers and four 7800-CEU carriers.
The propulsion system allows flexible switching between conventional fuel and methanol and complies with the International Maritime Organization Tier III emission standards.
The company said that when green methanol is used, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by more than 70%.
China Merchants Energy Shipping stated that the vessel series is designed for a wide range of cargo types and will be delivered gradually, improving the fleet structure in terms of vessel type and age.
As Chinese automobile manufacturers accelerate exports, particularly of new energy vehicles, the company expects these vessels to strengthen its carrying capacity and competitiveness in the car carrier segment.
As of the announcement date, the company’s car carrier division operates 19 vessels, including eight on the Yangtze River, four in coastal service, and seven in ocean-going service. The order book includes five additional vessels—one 9300-CEU and four methanol dual-fuel car carriers—to be delivered between the second half of 2025 and 2026.
China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd. is the shipping arm of China Merchants Group and specializes in the transportation of oil, liquefied natural gas, and vehicle carriers.
Source: Port News
