Press Releases
TSUNEISHI Launched the World’s First Methanol Dual-Fuelled Ultramax
November 25, 2024
TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan) has launched the world’s first 65,700 metric tons (MT) Methanol Dual Fuel Bulk Carrier TESS66 AEROLINE*1 (TESS66) on November 22, 2024 in TSUNEISHI Factory. This vessel is designed to operate with a low environmental impact using methanol fuel while utilizing TESS66’s features of high load carrying capacity and fuel efficiency and is scheduled for delivery next spring.
By using methanol as fuel, this vessel will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by up to 99% and carbon dioxide (CO2) by up to 10% compared with heavy oil. Furthermore, the use of green methanol*2 makes carbon neutral and contributes to reducing environmental impact.
The large-capacity methanol fuel tank was placed on to maintain safety and simplicity in cargo loading and unloading, while at the same time ensuring loading performance. The vessel has a cargo hold capacity of 81,500 m3 and a deadweight of 65,700 mt, inheriting the characteristics of TESS66, which is the top class of loading capacity in Ultramax*3 category. In terms of fuel efficiency, the TESS66 also offers high performance for the use of a fuel-efficient main engine and our unique AEROLINE technology for reducing wind resistance.
Mr. DATE Masatoshi, TSUNEISHI Factory Manager, Manager of 3 Factories, Managing Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI Shipbuilding comment as below.
‘We were able to build and launch our 1st vessel of next generation, which we have been developing to achieve carbon neutrality in accordance with the ‘Technology Development Roadmap’ incorporated into our medium-term management policy. Starting with full in-house manufacturing of pressure tanks for LPG carriers delivered in January this year, we have also started full-scale manufacturing of LNG fuel tanks and the technology developed in the full in-house manufacturing of pressure tanks is being applied to the production of methanol fuel tanks. In the future, we will further strengthen our technology deployment and collaboration with group companies to build the vessels of methanol dual-fuelled at our overseas factories and lead the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industry as an environmentally friendly company.’
*1 TESS66 AEROLINE:
This is our newest design which has achieved the largest in its category of deadweight. The width is kept to a Panamax-sized breadth and also the depth is kept to an industry-standard level, ensuring a high level of versatility. Product information: TESS66 AEROLINE|Products|TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co.,Ltd.
*2 Green methanol:
Green methanol refers to methanol synthesized from recovered CO₂ (carbon dioxide), and hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources, or bio-methanol produced from biomass, and which is contribute to carbon neutral.
*3 Ultramax
The name of the category of bulk carriers. It refers to vessels with a deadweight 60,000 MT and a crane on deck.
■TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.
TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING (HQ: 1083 Tsuneishi, Numakuma-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan) engages in shipbuilding and repairs, and is the anchor company of the TSUNEISHI Group, which conducts business mainly in the shipbuilding industry and maritime transport. With manufacturing bases in Japan (Tsuneishi Factory, the HQ), Philippines, and China, the company builds bulk carriers, container carriers, tankers, etc.
Company info: https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/english/
Company ESG: https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/esg/en/
Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: OKUMURA Sachio
Business: Shipbuilding and repair
Founded: July 1917 (Taisho 6)
Capital: 100 million yen
Employees: 817 (as of 1st January 2024)
Headquarters: Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (Main Factory)
Shipbuilding Business Affiliates:
TSUNEISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES (CEBU), Inc. (Cebu, Philippines)
http://www.thici.com/
TSUNEISHI GROUP (ZHOUSHAN) SHIPBUILDING INC. (Zhejiang, China)
http://www.tsuneishi-zs.com/en/
TSUNEISHI IRON WORKS Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan)
https://www.tsuneishi-iw.jp/
TSUNEISHI ENGINEERING Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan)
http://www.tsune-e.com/
MIHO SHIPYARD Co., Ltd. (Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan)
http://www.mihozosen.co.jp/
KANDA DOCKYARD Co., Ltd. (Kure-shi, Hiroshima, Japan)
https://kandadock.com/
Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan)
https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/mes-s/
YURA DOCKYARD Co., Ltd. (Yura, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan)
https://www.yuradock.co.jp/en
NIIGATA SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR, Inc. (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan)
https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/nsr/
Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen) Inc. (Akishima, Tokyo, Japan)
https://akishima-labo.co.jp/en/
For further information, please contact:
Communication Dept.
TSUNEISHI HOLDINGS CORPORATION
TEL: +81-84-987-4915
Email: pr@tsuneishi.com