In China, Shandong-based engine maker Weichai announced on October 13 that it supplied methanol generator sets for the country’s first all-methanol-electric cargo vessel, the 3,000-ton “Three Gorges Green Boat 01,” launched in Yichang, Hubei. The ship uses two 550-kilowatt 6WH17 methanol generators to power electric propulsion, developed for low-emission phosphate transport along the Yangtze River.
The vessel is one of two demonstration ships built to a new 3,000-ton standard for lock-passing phosphate ore carriers. Both are equipped with Weichai’s 6WH17 methanol generator sets, which feature corrosion-resistant components and dedicated lubricants to address methanol compatibility challenges.
Weichai also announced it became the first Chinese manufacturer to receive type and emission certificates from the China Classification Society for a full lineup of methanol marine engines. These include the WP13, WH17, and WH20, the latter using diesel micro-spray ignition with 100% methanol fuel.
The company says its control system and lean-burn ignition design improve fuel economy compared to traditional diesel engines. Weichai is positioning its methanol-powered solutions for use in engineering vessels, bulk carriers, Ro-Ro ships, and tankers.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
