- Sanfu Shipyard delivered two advanced 1,300 TEU methanol dual-fuel container feeders to MPC Container Ships and North Sea Container Line.
- The vessels are designed for carbon-neutral operation with state-of-the-art methanol fuel systems and energy-saving technologies.
- These ships support a green shipping corridor in the North Sea, featuring high maneuverability, increased cargo capacity, and long-term charter agreements.
Sanfu Shipyard in China has delivered two state-of-the-art methanol dual-fuel container feeder vessels to MPC Container Ships and long-term charterer North Sea Container Line. These vessels mark the launch of a green corridor across the North Sea, reads a DNV release.
The sister ships, NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland, were delivered in February and April 2025 respectively. Built to class by Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering Co., Ltd., the 1300-TEU vessels are designed to pioneer northern European coastal shipping with carbon-neutral operations.
Both the Norwegian owner MPC Container Ships ASA (MPCC) and the charterer North Sea Container Line (NCL) aim to establish a ‘green corridor’ for container shipping between Norway and the ports of the Netherlands and Germany by building a fleet of carbon-neutral vessels.
MPCC’s CEO Constantin Baack emphasized that these innovative feeder vessels represent the next step in the company’s decarbonization strategy. The ships will be capable of operating on ‘green’ methanol from day one and will play a central role in MPCC’s ongoing fleet renewal and emissions reduction efforts, positioning the company as an early mover in sustainable shipping.
Designed for Carbon-Neutral Operation, Flexibility, and Safety
These vessels are the first containerships designed specifically to operate on eco-friendly methanol fuel, incorporating advanced innovations that ensure both sustainability and flexible cargo stowage. The methanol fuel system was developed and rigorously tested to guarantee safety and reliability.
According to technical experts, the vessels are equipped with the safest methanol fuel system design and the most efficient layout to date. This project marked MPCC’s first collaboration with DNV and Sanfu Shipyard in China. Initially, there were some concerns about placing such a high-end vessel design with the shipyard, but through close collaboration, all challenges were successfully overcome, and the owner is very pleased with the vessels’ performance.
Collaboration Enables a Milestone in Green Shipping
DNV oversaw adherence to strict quality and safety standards during construction. Sanfu Shipyard prioritized risk assessments and complied with risk-based ship design principles, enhancing battery safety and the reliability of the methanol system.
The vessels represent a milestone in green shipping and international collaboration, setting a benchmark for the maritime industry’s sustainable future. The delivery success owes much to the combined expertise of the shipyard, technical managers, and classification society, ensuring high standards in design, plan approval, and construction supervision.
Optimizing Carbon Intensity Ratings
MPCC and NCL have placed high priority on achieving optimal Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings for these vessels. The NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland are outfitted with energy-saving technologies such as shore power connections, battery backup, waste-heat recovery, exhaust-gas recirculation, and optimized hull design. These features contribute to an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) rating that surpasses current phase III requirements.
Designed for operation in sub-arctic coastal waters, both vessels hold an ice-class rating and support single-operator bridge systems with bow and stern thrusters for high maneuverability. Their cargo capacity exceeds that of similar feeders by approximately 40%, with space for up to 380 reefer units and hazardous goods, facilitated by hatchless loading and dual 45-ton cranes.
This delivery completes a contract signed in mid-2022, under which MPCC ordered two 1,300 TEU methanol-fueled feeder vessels at Sanfu Shipyard. The vessels are under 15-year time charter agreements with NCL, backed by a contract of affreightment involving Elkem ASA. The contract, valued at around $39 million per vessel, was financed via charter-backed cash flows and included support from Norwegian green funding initiatives.
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Source: DNV
