China takes the lead in the shipbuilding revolution, launching the Eco Maestro, the world's second methanol-powered container ship, a milestone for a cleaner industry.

In a show of commitment to innovation and sustainability, China recently launched the Eco Maestro, the world's second methanol-powered ship, the first was from Maersk. This initiative places Chinese shipbuilding at the forefront of cleaner technologies, aimed at reducing pollutant emissions.

On August 17, China introduced the world's second dual-fuel methanol container ship, named Eco Maestro. This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels in the marine industry.

Watch the launch of the ECO MAESTRO, the 2nd methanol-powered vessel in the world

The vessel, a collaboration between German naval architects TECHNOLOG Services and Singapore-based X-Press Feeders, is just the beginning of a series of 14 orders. With operation scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, the Eco Maestro will establish routes in northern Europe, having the capacity to transport 950 TEUs and a deadweight of 13.900 tons.

In addition to its innovative design, the vessel will feature a MAN dual-fuel engine designed to run on green methanol, strengthening China's position in sustainable shipbuilding.

The vessel was designed with several energy-saving features, including shaft generators, adjustable propellers, and a drop-flap rudder. With a design speed of 14 knots, it will meet the requirements of the Ship Energy Efficiency Index and Tier 3 standards.

X-Press Feeders, in line with Maersk, have used the ship's appearance to emphasize its environmental message, with the slogan “The Greener Feeder Carriers of Choice” emblazoned on the Eco Maestro's hull.

Future Orders and Advances in Living on Board

China's commitment to shipbuilding and the use of green methanol is not limited to a single project. The company has ordered six more ships from CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, with deliveries scheduled from 2025 to 2026.

At the same time, it signed an agreement with OCI Global to supply green methanol in Rotterdam from 2024, and OCI, in collaboration with Unibarge, is adapting a bunker freighter to supply methanol in the region.

In addition to the focus on sustainability, Eco Maestro and her sister ships were designed with a hatchless concept, which lowers the center of gravity and increases cargo capacity. Innovative engineering, with the positioning of the engine room in the bow and improvements on the first deck, also aims to improve the living spaces for the crew.

The first ship in this series, planned to operate from Rotterdam, will begin its journey in mid-2024, marking a new chapter in the history of shipbuilding, with China playing a key role in the transition to a cleaner and more efficient industry.

The launch of the Eco Maestro symbolizes a significant advance in shipbuilding and underlines China's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The future of the shipping industry is changing, and the world is closely watching this China-led green revolution, looking forward to what lies ahead.