World’s 1st Container Ship Retroffited With Methanol Dual-Fuel Propulsion

ECO UMANDE has made history by becoming the first container ship in the world to be retrofitted with a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system.

The 148 m long, 27.7 m wide ship with a depth of 14.3 m is not just built for the high seas but also for the future of our planet.

Boasting the innovative and efficient MAN Energy Solutions 5S50ME methanol-dual fuel engine, ECO UMANDE produces zero-carbon emissions when running on green methanol, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable maritime industry.

The ship also meets the EEDI Phase III and Tier III requirements, which means it is safe to operate and generates low emissions compared to its counterparts, showing high-performance shipping can go hand-in-hand with sustainable maritime operations.

New Dayang Shipbuilding constructed the 1,170 TEU feeder ship and delivered it to its owner, X-Press Feeders in March 2024.

However, soon the revolutionary vessel underwent retrofit at the PaxOcean Shipyard in Zhoushan, China for conversion from methanol-ready to completely operational on methanol or green methanol.

While ECO UMANDE has a methanol fuel reserve, the retrofit involves the addition of a methanol fuel system, stainless steel pipes for supply and a few changes to the existing fuel systems.

During the modifications, 7 systems have been installed, including a nitrogen system, a bilge water system in the equipment room and a methanol tank vent and sweep system.

An LFSS instrument air system and foam system have also been added. Additionally, changes have been made to existing systems like the CO2 system, engine room water supply system, cooling system, control air and compressed air systems and ventilation systems.

Per DNV, methanol is becoming popular as an alternative marine fuel for vessels, surpassing other options. There are around 269 ships on order to be delivered in the next five years which will be outfitted for operating on methanol.

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Zahra is a maritime writer with 6 years of technical writing experience spanning port operations, offshore wind, oil and gas, and maritime policy. Her analytical edge...Read More ->