X Press Feeders Receives World’s First Container Ship Retrofitted With Methanol Dual-fuel Propulsion

X Press Feeders is leading the way towards more sustainable shipping by incorporating MAN Energy Solutions’ unique 5S50ME methanol dual-fuel engine into its fleet.

This marks the launch of the first scheduled feeder routes in Europe using this eco-friendly fuel, demonstrating the company’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.

The integration of the 5S50ME dual-fuel engine allows X-Press Feeders’ vessels to run on methanol, a fuel with a considerably lower carbon intensity than traditional alternatives.

When combined with green methanol, these engines have the potential to achieve carbon-neutral propulsion, which represents a significant step toward a more sustainable future.

The 5S50ME engine has shown its reliability and efficiency, with over 600,000 operating hours on methanol alone.

X-Press Feeders has received delivery of the 1,170 TEU Eco Umande, the world’s first container ship retrofitted with a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system.

Pacific Ocean Engineering in Zhoushan completed a three-month retrofit on the vessel, initially built by China’s New Dayang Shipbuilding and delivered in March 2024.

A methanol dual-fuel engine and an extensive methanol fuel system were installed in the conversion.

X-Press Feeders has purchased 14 methanol dual-fuel containerships from multiple Chinese shipyards.

In May, the company successfully bunkered its first dual-fuel vessel with green methanol in the Port of Singapore.

These vessels will be headquartered in Rotterdam.

The company has a green-methanol supply contract with Dutch fuel supplier OCI Global.

The ships will initially operate in the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia, with plans to expand to other European ports.

X-Press Feeders is at the forefront of a broader industry trend toward methanol retrofits, with other major container lines, including CMA CGM, COSCO, and Maersk, planning similar upgrades.

This move demonstrates the maritime industry’s dedication to greener alternatives and the effort to reduce carbon emissions in shipping operations.

Reference: Ship Technology