Dalian Shipbuilding, in collaboration with China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, has commenced building a groundbreaking methanol-powered very large crude carrier (VLCC) for China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), marking a major step forward in eco-friendly maritime innovation. This vessel, designed to carry approximately 2.1 million barrels of crude, is the latest model in Dalian Shipbuilding’s independently developed eighth-generation VLCC line, informed by extensive research and engineering enhancements.
Engineered with a dual-fuel main engine, the VLCC can operate on methanol to reduce emissions, integrating advanced environmental technology such as an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The ship will also feature intelligent systems for energy efficiency, cargo management, operational support, and maintenance, further optimizing performance and sustainability.
In 2024, China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) ordered ten energy-efficient tankers from Dalian Shipbuilding, aiming to modernize its fleet with environmentally friendly vessels. The order includes five 306,000-ton Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and five 115,000-ton Aframax tankers, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. This move supports CMES’s goals of reducing fuel costs and emissions while enhancing operational flexibility.
