In China, eworldship reports Chuangxin 19, the country’s first methanol-only powered 15,000-deadweight-tonne river-sea bulker, was launched on November 25 at Jiangsu Qinfeng Shipyard. Built for Wuhan Chuangxin River-Sea Shipping, the vessel is the first of five for short-sea and inland waterway operations.
Financed through Zhejiang Seaport Leasing, Chuangxin 19 was designed and developed entirely by Wuhan Chuangxin. Powered by a domestically developed CS8L21M methanol engine using direct-injection technology, Chuangxin 19 is capable of replacing more than 90% of diesel with methanol. While emission benefits depend on fuel origin, the engine is optimized for clean combustion and corrosion resistance.
The vessel’s launch ceremony in Xiangshui drew over 200 guests, including government agencies, maritime regulators, classification societies, ship designers, and leasing and fuel supply partners. Chairman Yuan Hou’an called the launch “a key breakthrough” in the firm’s decades-long effort to advance green river-sea shipping.
The remaining four ships in the series are under construction and expected to enter service by May 2026.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
