X-Press Feeders unveils first methanol dual-fuel ship built in China
X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, has unveiled what the first of 14 methanol dual fuel ships looks like, with plans to create a green feeder network in the Baltic.
The vessels – under construction in China – are 1,200 teu in capacity with a length overall of 148 m.
The first dual-fuel vessel, Eco Maestro, will have its maiden voyage in Q1 next year.
Eco Maestro, which is the first bio methanol powered ship to be built in China, will use bio-methanol for its voyage to Europe.
“We aim to power Eco Maestro with green methanol for the entire journey from Shanghai to Rotterdam but certain ports enroute have no infrastructure at present to supply methanol to ships, so we are engaging them to make it possible,” said Francis Goh, X-Press Feeders’ chief operating officer.
X-Press Feeders has signed a contract with Dutch fuel supplier OCI Global for the supply of green methanol at the Port of Rotterdam starting from 2024.
According to X-Press Feeders, the Eco Mastro deployed on a round voyage service, would save 268kg of CO2e emissions for every teu carried, when compared to a feeder vessel of similar capacity running on conventional marine fuel.
Earlier this year, Maersk welcomed its first methanol dual-fuelled ship, which is also now plying routes in the Baltic.
