Zhejiang's first methanol-powered container ship launches in Jiaxing

Zhejiang province's first methanol-powered container ship launches in Jiaxing. [Photo/Jiaxing Zhebei Shipbuilding]

The first methanol-powered container ship of East China's Zhejiang province, capable of carrying 64 TEUs, was launched in Jiaxing on March 24, marking a significant step in the province's efforts to promote green shipping on inland waterways.

The ship is 64.9 meters long and 12.6 meters wide, boasting a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers and a speed of 15.6 km per hour. Its key feature is the use of methanol propulsion technology, in which methanol directly drives the power system, eliminating the intermediate step of generating electricity.

The methanol used is synthesized from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, making it a green, easily transportable fuel. Compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels, this technology can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 percent.

Jiaxing Zhebei Shipbuilding, in collaboration with universities such as Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, is transforming from traditional shipbuilding to green and smart ship manufacturing, with over 10 new-energy ship orders already received, accounting for more than 60 percent of its annual output.