China has officially entered a new era of green shipping. On February 18, COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU, the country’s first 16,000 TEU methanol-dual fuel container vessel, was named in Yangzhou. This milestone marks a significant step for COSCO SHIPPING as it pushes forward with its ambitious new energy fleet development.
The newly named COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU is the first of 28 methanol-powered container ships scheduled to enter service by 2029. With the global shipping industry under increasing pressure to decarbonize, COSCO SHIPPING’s investment in alternative fuels signals a clear commitment to a more sustainable future.
This groundbreaking vessel is no small feat. It measures 366 meters in length and 51 meters in width—about the size of three and a half football fields laid end to end. With a maximum loading capacity of 16,136 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), it is equipped to carry thousands of containers across oceans while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What makes the COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU particularly noteworthy is its ability to operate in “Pure Methanol Mode,” enabling it to complete a one-way voyage between the Far East and the West Coast of the United States. This innovation aligns with global maritime regulations pushing for cleaner energy sources and lower emissions.
The vessel is set to join COSCO’s transpacific route soon, offering not only increased cargo capacity but also showcasing the company’s commitment to green innovation. As international shipping navigates toward a low-carbon future, dual-fuel vessels like the COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU highlight how major industry players are adapting to new environmental standards while maintaining operational efficiency.
For COSCO SHIPPING, this launch is more than just a technological achievement—it’s a statement. With 27 more methanol-powered vessels on the horizon, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the energy transition in maritime logistics. As the world demands greener supply chains, COSCO’s move could set a new standard for the industry.
The naming ceremony in Yangzhou not only celebrated the ship’s introduction but also underscored a broader shift toward sustainability in global shipping. As the COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU prepares to embark on its maiden voyage, all eyes will be on how this pioneering vessel performs on the open seas.
