- COSCO has deployed its first methanol-powered mainline vessel, joining Maersk, HMM, and CMA CGM in adopting alternative fuels.
- The shift marks a broader trend among top carriers moving toward methanol as a cleaner propulsion option.
- Methanol offers emissions benefits but poses challenges, such as limited green supply and lower energy density.
- Despite operational trade-offs, the adoption of methanol reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices.
China’s COSCO SHIPPING Group has joined the growing list of major carriers deploying methanol-powered mainline vessels, following the lead of early adopters like Maersk, HMM, and CMA CGM. This move marks a significant step in the maritime sector’s transition towards alternative fuels, as more industry giants invest in methanol as a potential path to cleaner shipping. According to a report published by Alphaliner, COSCO has introduced its first methanol-enabled mainliner, the COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU, into active service.
COSCO Joins the Methanol Movement
Eighteen months after Maersk introduced its first methanol-powered mainline vessel, the ANE MAERSK, and shortly after the launch of the HMM GREEN and CMA CGM IRON, COSCO has now deployed the COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU. With this addition, four of the world’s top ten ocean carriers are now operating large methanol-fueled mainline ships.
Alongside them, companies like X-Press Feeders and North Sea Container Line are utilizing methanol on smaller feeder vessels, following Maersk’s initial use of the LAURA MAERSK—a 2,136 TEU ice-class vessel designed for short-sea service in Northern Europe.
Challenges and Considerations for Methanol Adoption
While methanol is seen as a promising low-emission fuel, it presents several operational and environmental challenges. Methanol is cleaner than traditional marine fuels, but it is not entirely carbon-free. The environmental benefit depends on sourcing methanol sustainably, using ‘green methanol’, which remains limited in supply.
Methanol’s lower energy density means ships must carry larger fuel tanks to maintain their operational range, leading to reduced cargo capacity. Despite these constraints, the adoption of methanol highlights a growing commitment among carriers to pursue alternative fuels as part of their decarbonization strategies.
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Source: Alphaliner
