The world’s first 325,000-DWT methanol dual-fuel ore carrier equipped with a digital vessel delivery system was officially named Yuan Hai Si Lu in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, on September 1.

Built by COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry and to be operated by COSCO SHIPPING Bulk, the vessel measures 339.9 meters in length and 62 meters in beam. It was jointly designed by COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry and the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute.

The vessel is equipped with methanol dual-fuel propulsion and meets IMO EEDI Phase 3 requirements. When operating entirely on green methanol, it can reduce CO₂ emissions by around 50,000 tonnes annually, while a single methanol bunkering can provide a range of approximately 20,000 nautical miles.

The ship also incorporates intelligent navigation technologies and has achieved autonomous navigation in open waters. Its cargo hold capacity is more than 40% larger than conventional ore carriers of similar dimensions, enabling efficient transportation of both iron ore and lower-density bauxite.

A major innovation is COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry’s self-developed digital vessel delivery system, which integrates design, procurement, construction, delivery and maintenance data through a 3D digital model. The system has received both Approval in Principle (AiP) and General Design Approval (GDA) certification from China Classification Society.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery and commercial operation in October 2026, strengthening COSCO SHIPPING Bulk’s long-haul capacity for major commodities while supporting greener and smarter shipping.