A Benchmark for Green Ultra-Large Container Ships! OOCL Names Second 24,168 TEU Methanol Dual-Fuel Containership

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 28, the second 24,168 TEU ultra-large methanol dual-fuel containership, "OOCL GRACE," built by Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) for Orient Overseas Container Line Limited (OOCL), was officially named at the new outfitting base.

As the sister vessel of "OOCL WISDOM," "OOCL GRACE" is OOCL's second methanol dual-fuel containership and the second of seven sister ships of this type that NACKS is building for OOCL. Its successful naming marks the continued delivery of this series of world-class green ultra-large containerships, demonstrating the scaled-up iterative upgrading of China's high-end green shipbuilding capabilities.

"OOCL GRACE" retains the same ultra-large 24,168 TEU capacity as the lead ship "OOCL WISDOM," inheriting the proven methanol dual-fuel core power configuration and intelligent ship design system. It is equipped with the world's largest methanol dual-fuel main engine, auxiliary engines, and boiler system, capable of flexibly switching between methanol clean energy and conventional fuel, effectively addressing the industry's core challenge of balancing "large carrying capacity" with "low emissions" in ultra-large containerships.

Operating on green methanol, the vessel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 150,000 tonnes per year, virtually eliminate sulfur oxide emissions, and significantly cut nitrogen oxide emissions, fully aligning with the International Maritime Organization's new green shipping regulations and the global trend toward decarbonization in ocean logistics. This series of vessels represents a significant strategic achievement for COSCO Shipping Group in advancing shipping decarbonization and will inject strong momentum into OOCL's efforts to build a green, low-carbon global supply chain service.

Previously, the lead ship "OOCL WISDOM" was officially put into international trunk route service in July this year. With its stable performance, excellent energy-saving efficiency, and ultra-large carrying capacity, it has fully validated the technical maturity, operational safety, and commercial practicality of this vessel type, establishing itself as a benchmark among global green ultra-large containerships. The successful naming of "OOCL GRACE" marks a key milestone in the batch construction and steady delivery of this vessel series, further consolidating the company's competitive edge in the high-end green shipbuilding sector.

Compared with the lead ship, "OOCL GRACE" has undergone multiple optimization upgrades in outfitting process details, intelligent energy efficiency control, and crew comfort enhancement, further elevating the standardization and refinement of construction while making the vessel's overall operational performance better suited to the high-intensity, long-endurance demands of ocean trunk routes.

Following the naming ceremony, "OOCL GRACE" will enter the final outfitting and commissioning phase, with sea trials scheduled to commence in early September. The project team will subsequently carry out all work in strict accordance with high-standard maritime regulations and construction requirements, systematically verifying core technical parameters including propulsion performance, navigational stability, and environmental emissions, to ensure the vessel is delivered and put into service on schedule, providing solid equipment support for OOCL to expand its green ocean fleet and optimize its global route network.

As the shipping industry enters a new phase of accelerated green, digital, and intelligent development, NACKS remains committed to the philosophy of "lean innovation, green intelligent manufacturing," deepening its focus on intelligent shipbuilding, continuously advancing green process upgrades, digital technology applications, and intelligent manufacturing innovation, and steadily improving vessel performance, construction efficiency, and full-lifecycle value. Looking ahead, the company will work hand in hand with partners to deliver more green, low-carbon, technologically advanced, and trustworthy premium vessels, creating greater value for OOCL and customers worldwide while contributing to the high-quality development of the global shipping industry.

At the naming ceremony, Mr. Pan Chung Ming, Director of OOCL's Trade and Executive Committee member, stated: "In a complex and ever-changing market environment, OOCL has always been firmly committed to the scalable, green, and intelligent development of its fleet. With the successive delivery of 'OOCL GRACE' and other vessels in the same series, we will continue to optimize our capacity deployment and network layout, providing customers with higher-quality, more stable, and more sustainable logistics solutions, and playing a vital role in connecting industries, markets, and global trade."