OOCL has named the 24,168 teu MV OOCL Wisdom, currently the world’s largest methanol dual-fuel containership, at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) in China.
The vessel is the first in a new series of seven ultra-large methanol-powered boxships being built for the Hong Kong-based carrier under COSCO Shipping’s wider alternative-fuel fleet programme.
At nearly 400 metres long and 225,000 dwt, MV OOCL Wisdom is among the largest containerships ever built. The vessel’s main engine, auxiliary engines, and boilers are all equipped for methanol dual-fuel operation.
OOCL says the ship is designed for service speeds of up to 22.7 knots and will operate on the Asia-Europe trade lane after final trials.
The newbuilding forms part of a larger COSCO Shipping order for 12 methanol dual-fuel ultra-large containerships placed in 2022. Seven vessels are assigned to OOCL and are under construction at NACKS, while five sister ships for COSCO Shipping are being built at Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering.
The overall programme is valued at nearly $2.9 billion, with deliveries scheduled through 2028.
Beyond the fuel system itself, MV OOCL Wisdom also incorporates several digital vessel-management technologies. According to OOCL, the ship features an intelligent data platform and energy-efficiency management system capable of real-time ship-to-shore data exchange, automatic speed and trim optimisation, and monitoring of hull structural fatigue.
COSCO Shipping has rapidly expanded its methanol-fuelled fleet programme over the past two years. In addition to the new 24,000 teu class, the group has already introduced 16,000 teu methanol dual-fuel vessels and converted the 20,000 teu MV COSCO Shipping Libra for methanol operations.
According to DNV data cited in industry reports, around 70 methanol dual-fuel containerships are currently in service globally, with another 180 on order.
While some major carriers have slowed parts of their methanol strategies due to concerns over fuel supply availability and bunkering infrastructure, COSCO and OOCL continue to push ahead with large-scale methanol fleet expansion as container shipping searches for lower-emission alternatives to conventional fuel oil.
