Could COSCO’s move to methanol-powered container vessels shift the future of green shipping?
COSCO Shipping Lines has joined the front-runners in sustainable maritime by deploying large-scale methanol‑fuelled container ships, following in the footsteps of Maersk, HMM, and CMA CGM .
🚢 What’s COSCO Doing?
COSCO has received approval to order twelve new methanol-capable boxships, each with a 14,000 TEU capacity. Built by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry in Yangzhou, these vessels are scheduled for delivery between mid-2027 and early 2029, at an estimated cost of US$179.5 million per ship.
They complement the recent launch of the MV COSCO Shipping Yangpu, the first 16,000 TEU methanol-dual‑fuel ship delivered on 20 June. This vessel features a Chinese-made methanol engine and meets IMO Phase III energy-efficiency standards—a 54% reduction compared to baseline emissions.
🌍 Why Methanol Matters
- Cleaner emissions: Methanol can cut greenhouse gases by 65–90% compared to traditional bunker fuel when produced renewably.
- Flexibility: Dual‑fuel capabilities allow vessels to switch between methanol and conventional fuel—offering operational resilience .
- Hedging green bets: As major carriers explore LNG, ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol, dual‑fuel ships offer a pragmatic route through decarbonisation uncertainty.
“COSCO Shipping Lines has become the next mainline operator to deploy large methanol‑propelled container ships”
Shipping companies and investors: align your strategies with COSCO’s green pivot—explore partnerships in methanol fuel infrastructure, bunkering networks, and port readiness for a cleaner maritime future.
