A New Chapter in Energy-Saving Technology for Container Ships
Xinya Shipyard has taken a major leap in green shipping innovation with the successful retrofit of a windshield energy-saving system on the MSC Oscar, a 19,000 TEU ultra-large container vessel. Completed on May 16 at Xibailian Island, this marks the first time Xinya has applied such technology to a vessel of this size—an important milestone in the shipyard’s green retrofit strategy.
The MSC Oscar, a giant in the maritime world measuring 395.5 meters long and 59 meters wide, is now equipped with a 242-ton windshield system designed to improve aerodynamics by reducing wind resistance on the bow. This massive structure spans 49.5 meters in length, 25.7 meters in width, and towers 17.5 meters high at the foredeck, essentially streamlining the vessel’s profile to cut fuel use and carbon emissions.
Small Changes, Big Impact: What Does the Retrofit Mean?
Let’s put it into perspective. The retrofit is expected to cut the MSC Oscar’s annual fuel consumption by 2% to 4% at a cruising speed of 20 knots. In hard numbers, that translates to an annual reduction of around 6,340 to 12,680 tons of CO2 emissions. That’s equivalent to taking thousands of cars off the road for a year. For Xinya, this project isn’t just about one ship—it’s a testing ground for broader applications in the green shipping sector.
The initiative aligns with China’s “Dual Carbon” goals and the maritime industry’s collective push for decarbonization. While the numbers may seem small, they highlight how incremental improvements across a fleet can deliver significant environmental benefits over time.
A Race Against Time and a Test of Engineering Grit
The project was no walk in the park. The teams at Xinya Shipyard—from repair management to construction crews—were working under pressure to complete the retrofit on time without cutting corners on quality. Think of it like assembling a giant puzzle where each piece weighs several tons and needs to fit perfectly, millimeter by millimeter.
To ensure the windshield’s precise curvature matched the hull’s shape, a custom-designed curved support frame was built—an essential step to prevent deformation. After prefabrication, additional tweaks ensured the massive structure would align during the final installation.
The final lift was a sight to behold. Using a 1200-ton floating crane, the entire windshield was hoisted into place and secured in less than four hours—an impressive feat considering the complexity of the operation.
Setting a Template for the Future
This retrofit isn’t a one-off experiment. According to Xinya Shipyard, the project lays the groundwork for future green retrofits on other vessels. The experience gained—whether it’s in precision engineering, project management, or cross-departmental collaboration—sets a solid foundation for tackling similar projects down the line.
For the shipping industry, it’s another step in exploring “new pathways” for low-carbon transformation, as stakeholders across the sector look for practical ways to curb emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Industry-Wide Implications
The successful retrofit of the MSC Oscar’s bow windshield has implications that stretch beyond the yard at Xibailian Island. It signals to shipowners, operators, and the wider maritime community that green retrofit technologies can be applied to the largest vessels in the global fleet. And while the numbers—2% to 4% in fuel savings—might seem modest at first glance, they add up when scaled across thousands of ships.
As the shipping industry faces mounting regulatory pressure and market expectations to decarbonize, projects like this show that practical engineering solutions can contribute meaningfully to the cause. For Xinya Shipyard, the next challenge will be translating this success into more green retrofit orders and proving that this model is both replicable and commercially viable.
