Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) has delivered a methanol dual-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carrier, which the company describes as the first of its type to enter service.

The vessel was formally named in the Philippines, with the ceremony attended by the country’s president, marking a milestone for the shipbuilder’s alternative-fuel programme.

According to Tsuneishi-Cebu, operation on methanol enables reductions of around 10% in CO₂ emissions, 80% in nitrogen oxides, and 99% in sulphur oxides compared with conventionally fuelled bulk carriers. The yard added that the use of green methanol could further lower the vessel’s overall environmental footprint.

The 229-metre vessel features both a shallow draft and low air draft, enabling access to a wide range of ports worldwide, including Kamsar Port in the Republic of Guinea.

Sachio Okumura, representative director, president and executive officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., commented: "We are extremely proud to have completed and delivered the world's first methanol dual-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carrier at THI. This achievement is the culmination of many years of design expertise, shipbuilding technology and collective efforts of the Tsuneishi Group's Shipbuilding Segment."

He added: "Decarbonisation will become an ever more critical issue for the maritime industry in the years ahead. Realising the construction of methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas base represents an important step towards establishing mass-production capabilities for environmentally advanced vessels, and strengthens our ability to respond flexibly and swiftly to the evolving needs of our global customer."

Tsuneishi said its shipbuilding division will continue developing vessels capable of operating on next-generation fuels, while maintaining a focus on safety, quality, workforce development and engagement with communities hosting its overseas facilities.