TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. has marked a milestone in sustainable shipbuilding with the launch of its largest container vessel to date – a 5,900 TEU methanol dual-fuelled container carrier, launched at its Zhoushan yard in China on 27 August 2025. Scheduled for delivery in February 2026, the vessel represents the company’s latest step toward carbon-neutral shipping.
The vessel, built by TSUNEISHI GROUP (ZHOUSHAN) SHIPBUILDING INC. (TZS), has a total capacity of 5,915 TEU, making it the biggest container ship ever constructed by the group. Designed with efficiency and future sustainability in mind, the vessel includes the capability to carry 1,400 refrigerated containers to meet growing demand for temperature-controlled transport.
Equipped with an advanced hull form, a large-capacity shaft generator, and the group’s proprietary energy-saving device MT-FAST, the ship promises significant gains in propulsion efficiency. According to the company, MT-FAST alone improves propulsion by around 4% by regulating water flow through multiple fins placed ahead of the propeller.
Methanol Dual-Fuel Technology
The carrier reflects the industry’s pivot toward alternative fuels, with methanol now gaining traction as a viable pathway to lower carbon shipping. Both the main engine and on-board generators are configured to operate on methanol, including the HiMSEN 8H32DF-LM engine developed by HD Hyundai. This means the ship can operate entirely on methanol, supporting efforts to reduce reliance on traditional fuel oil.
The ship is also fitted with shore power connectivity, allowing it to cut generator use while berthed in port. This integration further reduces CO₂ emissions and supports compliance with tightening environmental regulations in major port regions.
The company described the project as being aligned with the concept of a “final solution” for achieving zero CO₂ emissions at sea. By using green methanol – synthesized from captured carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen or produced from biomass – the vessel aligns with emerging decarbonization strategies being adopted across the global maritime industry.
A Strategic Step Toward Carbon Neutrality
For the shipbuilding sector, the project highlights a broader shift in investment priorities. Container lines are increasingly demanding dual-fuel tonnage capable of meeting IMO decarbonization targets and responding to regulatory pressure from the EU and other jurisdictions.
In a statement, Mr MURAKAMI Yoshifumi, President and Director of TZS, underlined the importance of the launch:
“The launch of this methanol dual-fuelled 5,900 TEU type container carrier marks a historic milestone for TZS. We are actively engaged in the construction of next-generation, environmentally responsible vessels, enhancing the value of ships while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality. With a vision of creating a society where people and the environment coexist in harmony, we remain committed to contributing to a sustainable future through these initiatives.”
Scaling Sustainable Shipbuilding in Asia
The launch underscores the growing role of Chinese shipyards in delivering advanced, large-capacity vessels designed for the post-2030 maritime fuel landscape. With capacity to build vessels of this scale, the Zhoushan yard strengthens its position within the group and in the wider Asian shipbuilding market.
The ship’s delivery in early 2026 will add to the fleet of methanol-capable container carriers being ordered and deployed globally, as shipping lines look for vessels that combine operational efficiency with compliance-ready fuel flexibility. The integration of proprietary technology such as MT-FAST demonstrates how shipbuilders are leveraging both design innovations and alternative fuels to stay competitive.
