Image credit: The Maritime Executive.
Wuhan Innovation Jianghai Transportation has ordered 16 methanol-powered bulk carriers from Jiangsu Qinfeng Shipbuilding. These vessels will be powered by domestically designed methanol-only engines, marking a significant step towards promoting methanol as a marine fuel in China.
The company has not specified whether the fuel will be green methanol or fossil-based methanol. While green methanol has lower carbon emissions, fossil-based methanol still emits more CO2 than traditional bunker fuel oil. However, it offers advantages in terms of air quality as it produces less particulate matter, NOx, and SOx.
Wuhan Innovation already owns a fleet of LNG dual-fuel bulkers and has a history of innovation. They have previously built a specially-designed vessel that can navigate up the Yangtze River, even passing through the Three Gorges Dam. This vessel has a shallow draft and reduces the need for multiple barges, saving fuel and time.
The new methanol-powered fleet demonstrates Wuhan Innovation’s commitment to sustainable shipping and innovative technology. It is a significant step towards promoting methanol as a viable alternative to traditional marine fuels.