Thu 28 Aug 2025, 11:55 GMT | Updated: Thu 28 Aug 2025, 11:55 GMT

Tsuneishi launches methanol-fuelled boxship as part of carbon neutrality push


5,900 TEU vessel is the Japanese shipbuilder's largest container carrier to date.


Tsuneishi  5,900 TEU container carrier
Tsuneishi Group's methanol dual-fuel container ship represents the company's approach to achieving zero emissions through alternative marine fuels. Image credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has launched its largest container carrier to date — a 5,900 TEU methanol dual-fuel vessel built at its Chinese manufacturing facility.

The ship was launched on August 27 at Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding and is scheduled for delivery in February 2026, according to the Japanese shipbuilder.

The vessel can accommodate up to 5,915 twenty-foot equivalent unit containers both in holds and on deck, with capacity for up to 1,400 refrigerated containers. The company said the ship incorporates its proprietary energy-saving technology, MT-FAST, alongside an improved hull form and large-capacity shaft generator.

According to Tsuneishi, the vessel has been developed as what it describes as a "final solution" towards achieving zero CO₂ emissions through green methanol use. Both the main engine and onboard generators — including the HiMSEN engine manufactured by HD Hyundai — can operate on methanol fuel.

The ship is also equipped with systems compatible with large-capacity shore power supply, enabling generators to be shut down while in port, the company said.

"The launch of this methanol dual-fuelled 5,900 TEU type container carrier marks a historic milestone for TZS," said Murakami Yoshifumi, president and director of Tsuneishi Group (Zhoushan) Shipbuilding. "We are actively engaged in the construction of next-generation, environmentally responsible vessels, enhancing the value of ships while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality."

The MT-FAST technology was developed jointly with MTI Co., Ltd., of the NYK Group and claims to improve propulsion efficiency by approximately 4% through multiple fins installed in front of the propeller.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding operates manufacturing bases in Japan, the Philippines, and China, building bulk carriers, container carriers and tankers.



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