COSCO Shipping orders four dual-fuel bulk carriers from Beihai Shipbuilding, advancing ammonia and methanol-ready fleet for sustainable shipping.
COSCO Shipping has taken a significant step towards decarbonizing its fleet by commissioning four new bulk carriers that are ready to operate on methanol and ammonia fuels. The order has been placed with Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, a key subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The formal shipbuilding agreement was signed on July 29, according to a statement from Beihai Shipbuilding.
These vessels, each with a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 210,000 tons, are set to be delivered to COSCO Shipping Bulk, the dry bulk arm of COSCO Shipping, under long-term charter arrangements. The shipyard stated that the newbuilds would undergo significant technological enhancements, positioning them as high-efficiency next-generation vessels.
The design improvements of these bulkers focus on reducing energy consumption while enhancing overall performance. The ships will feature a newly optimized linear design that is expected to cut fuel consumption by roughly 6% compared to earlier models. Moreover, the vessels will meet the stringent Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Stage III standards, reinforcing COSCO's commitment to international environmental compliance and green shipping practices.
A key highlight of these vessels is their dual-fuel capability. They are being constructed to be compatible with both methanol and ammonia—two alternative fuels widely considered crucial to the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals. This forward-thinking design enables the ships to transition to greener fuels in the future without requiring significant retrofitting.
This latest order follows a similar agreement signed earlier in 2025 between Beihai Shipbuilding and COSCO Shipping Bulk for two additional methanol and ammonia-ready bulk carriers. These earlier units, each with a capacity of 209,800 dwt, are expected to be delivered in 2027, aligning with COSCO’s long-term fleet modernization timeline.
Furthermore, COSCO is also pursuing another series of environmentally optimized vessels. The company has placed an order for 3 firm plus 5 optional bulk carriers of 210,000 tons each. These Newcastlemax-class vessels, each valued at around $93 million, underscore the company's continued investment in green shipping infrastructure. Measuring approximately 300 meters in length and 50 meters in beam, the ships will be equipped with various conventional hydrodynamic energy-saving features, including front guide vanes, vortex-eliminating fins, and shaft generators to improve propulsion efficiency.
The strategic collaboration between COSCO Shipping and Beihai Shipbuilding not only marks another milestone in China's shipbuilding innovation but also highlights the accelerating global shift toward sustainable maritime transport. By investing in methanol- and ammonia-ready vessels, COSCO Shipping is actively positioning itself for a low-carbon future while enhancing the technological sophistication of its bulk carrier fleet.
