Tsuneishi Shipbuilding arm splashes 'world's first' methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulker

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (THI), a Philippines-headquartered manufacturing base of Japan’s shipbuilding major Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, has launched what it claims is “the world’s first” methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier.

The vessel, which hit the water on July 17 at the Slipway No. 2 at THI, is due to embark on its maiden voyage sometime in January next year. The shipbuilder has not yet disclosed any details regarding the owner or the name of the newbuilding, the construction of which was nearing the end in April this year.

As explained, the ship’s shallow draft and low air draft allow it to access a large number of ports around the world. At 229 meters in length, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding shared that the 93,000 cbm unit was specifically designed to fit through the limits of Kamsar Port in Guinea, which can handle vessels with an overall length of up to 230 meters and a maximum draft of 10.5 meters.

More importantly, as noted, by running on methanol, the bulker is expected to significantly cut down on its emissions, slashing carbon dioxide (CO2) by 10%