COSCO names 325,000 dwt methanol ore carrier ahead of October delivery

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COSCO SHIPPING Bulk has named its first 325,000 dwt methanol dual fuel ore carrier, YUAN HAI SI LU, in Yangzhou, China, adding alternative fuel capability to one of the largest vessel classes serving global dry bulk commodity trades.

The vessel was named on September 1 and is scheduled for delivery and commercial operation in October. Built by COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry, it is designed to transport iron ore, bauxite and other bulk commodities.

The ship subsequently left the Yangzhou shipyard on September 3 for sea trials, according to Chinese state media.

YUAN HAI SI LU measures 339.9 metres in length and 62 metres in beam, with a depth of 30 metres and structural draught of 21.25 metres. Its deadweight is about 325,000 tonnes.

The vessel has around 280,000 cubic metres of cargo capacity, giving it the volume needed to carry lower density commodities as well as iron ore. Its cargo hold capacity is reported to be more than 40% higher than conventional ore carriers of comparable dimensions.

That flexibility matters for operators seeking to use very large vessels across different commodity flows rather than restricting them to a single cargo type.

The vessel was jointly designed by COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry and the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute.

The ship can operate using conventional fuel or methanol, giving COSCO flexibility as availability of lower carbon marine fuels develops across global bunkering markets.

COSCO said a single methanol bunkering provides a range of about 20,000 nautical miles.

When operating entirely on green methanol, the company estimates that the vessel could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 52,000 tonnes annually. Sulphur oxide emissions would be almost eliminated, while nitrogen oxide emissions would also be substantially reduced.

The environmental benefit, however, depends on the methanol being produced from genuinely low carbon sources. Dual fuel capability therefore gives the vessel an operational bridge between today’s bunker supply network and emerging green methanol infrastructure.

The ore carrier also introduces what COSCO describes as the world’s first shipborne digital delivery system.

Instead of handing over vessel drawings, certificates, equipment manuals and maintenance documentation as separate records, the platform creates a 1:1 three dimensional digital model linked to equipment information, maintenance schedules, certificates and spare parts data.

The system connects information generated through design, procurement, construction, delivery and subsequent maintenance, effectively creating a digital record that follows the physical vessel into operation.

The ship also incorporates integrated situational awareness, safety warning and decision support functions.

With sea trials under way following its September 1 naming, YUAN HAI SI LU is expected to enter service in October, bringing methanol dual fuel propulsion into the 325,000 dwt ore carrier segment.