- A Chinese shipyard has delivered what it claims is the world’s first container ship to be retrofitted with a methanol dual-fuelled propulsion system as X-Press Feeders opts for a quick upgrade on its newbuilding.
- Pacific Ocean Engineering (Zhoushan) Co handed over the 1,170-teu feedership Eco Umande (built 2024) on 23 June after what appears to be a three-month job.
- The ship was originally contracted by Singapore-based X-Press Feeders in November 2021 and built as a methanol-ready vessel at New Dayang Shipbuilding.
On June 23, 2024, Pacific Ocean Engineering (Zhoushan) Co., Ltd. delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel retrofit container ship, the 950-TEU feeder vessel Eco Umande, reports Vessel Finder.
X-Press Feeders welcomes first retrofitted methanol-powered ship
Initially constructed by New Dayang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. under SUMEC Marine Co., Ltd., Eco Umande was designed with a methanol fuel reserve in mind. In response to accelerating decarbonization efforts, X-Press Feeders decided to retrofit the vessel for dual-fuel capability immediately upon its delivery. The retrofit contract was managed by SUMEC Marine and carried out by Pacific Ocean Engineering.
The vessel, measuring 148 meters in length, 27.2 meters in width, and 14.3 meters in depth, is equipped with a MAN Energy Solutions 5S50ME methanol dual-fuel engine. This engine enables zero-carbon emissions when using green methanol, meeting EEDI Phase III and Tier III standards for safety, low emissions, and environmental protection.
The comprehensive retrofit involved installing seven new systems and modifying eight existing ones. New installations included a methanol fuel system, nitrogen system, and bilge water system for the methanol equipment room, among others.
Existing systems such as the CO2 system, engine room water supply, and ventilation system were also upgraded. Key tasks included the prefabrication, installation, pressure testing, and commissioning of approximately 3000 meters of 316L stainless steel pipelines, with around 3000 weld joints, to support the methanol fuel system and its auxiliary components.
To remind, X-Press Feeders has recently placed an order for four methanol-fuelled 11,000 TEU container ships from China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. (SWS).
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Source: Vessel Finder
