Press Releases
TSUNEISHI Delivered the World’s First Methanol Dual-Fuelled Ultramax
TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan) is pleased to announce the delivery of the world’s first methanol dual-fuelled bulk carrier in the 65,700 deadweight ton class, the TESS66 AEROLINE*1 (hereinafter referred to as TESS66), at its TSUNEISHI Factory on 13 May. This vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.
Pioneering Methanol Dual-Fuel Technology
By using methanol, the vessel is able to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by up to 99%, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by up to 10% compared to conventional heavy fuel oil. When green methanol*2 is used, the vessel also contributes to carbon neutrality, significantly reducing is environmental impact.
The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. With a deadweight of 65,700 mt and a cargo hold capacity of 81,500 m3, the vessel inherits the exceptional loading performance of TESS66, which ranks among the highest in the Ultramax*3 category. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and TSUNEISHI’s proprietary AEROLINE technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.
Message from the President
Mr OKUMURA Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. commented:
“It is both an honour and deeply meaningful milestone for us to deliver the world’s first methanol dual-fuelled bulk carrier, the TESS66 AEROLINE. This vessel embodies TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING’s vision for the future and reflects our commitment to pioneering environmentally responsible shipbuilding technologies. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our customers, partners, and all those involved in the project, as well as the dedication and technical expertise of our employees. I extend my sincere appreciation to all. This delivery marks just beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”
Notes to Editors
*1 TESS66 AEROLINE:
This is our newest design which has achieved the largest in its category of deadweight. The width is kept to a Panamax-sized breadth and also the depth is kept to an industry standard level, ensuring a high level of versatility. Product information: https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/english/products/tess66/
*2 Green methanol:
Green methanol refers to methanol synthesized from recovered CO₂ (carbon dioxide), and hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources, or bio-methanol produced from biomass, and which is contribute to carbon neutral.
*3 Ultramax:
The name of the category of bulk carriers. It refers to vessels with a deadweight 60,000 MT and a crane on deck.
■ Related information:
TSUNEISHI Launched the World’s First Methanol Dual-Fuelled Ultramax
https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/english/news/release/2024/11/2402/
■ TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.
TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING (HQ: 1083 Tsuneishi, Numakuma-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan) engages in shipbuilding and repairs, and is the anchor company of the TSUNEISHI Group, which conducts business mainly in the shipbuilding industry and maritime transport. With manufacturing bases in Japan (Tsuneishi Factory, the HQ), Philippines, and China, the company builds bulk carriers, container carriers, tankers, etc.
Company info: https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/english/
Company ESG: https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/esg/en/
Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: OKUMURA Sachio
Business: Shipbuilding and repair
Founded: July 1917 (Taisho 6)
Capital: 100 million yen
Employees: 901 (as of 1st January 2025)
Headquarters: Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (Main Factory)
Shipbuilding Business Affiliates:
TSUNEISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES (CEBU), Inc. (Cebu, Philippines)
http://www.thici.com/
TSUNEISHI GROUP (ZHOUSHAN) SHIPBUILDING INC. (Zhejiang, China)
http://www.tsuneishi-zs.com/en/
TSUNEISHI IRON WORKS Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan)
https://www.tsuneishi-iw.jp/
TSUNEISHI ENGINEERING Co., Ltd. (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan)
http://www.tsune-e.com/
MIHO SHIPYARD Co., Ltd. (Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan)
https://www.mihoshipyard.com/
KANDA DOCKYARD Co., Ltd. (Kure-shi, Hiroshima, Japan)
https://kandadock.com/
Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan)
https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/mes-s/
YURA DOCKYARD Co., Ltd. (Yura, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan)
https://www.yuradock.co.jp/en
NIIGATA SHIPBUILDING & REPAIR, Inc. (Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan)
https://www.tsuneishi.co.jp/nsr/
Akishima Laboratories Inc. (Akishima, Tokyo, Japan)
https://akishima-labo.co.jp/en/
For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communication and Group Branding Dept.
TSUNEISHI HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Email: pr@tsuneishi.com