COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry Delivers World’s First Methanol Dual‑Fuel EPC Conversion for Seaspan’s 10K Series

Shanghai, 2 June — The lead vessel of Seaspan’s 10K series methanol dual‑fuel conversion project, SEASPAN YANGTZE, has been delivered ahead of schedule by COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry (Shanghai), part of China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation, according to Xinhua News Agency. The handover marks the world’s first methanol dual‑fuel EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) turnkey project for the globe’s largest independent container shipowner, setting a new industry benchmark.

Building on proven expertise from four earlier methanol dual‑fuel retrofits—including the COSCO SHIPPING Libra—the yard has established full‑cycle capabilities covering main/auxiliary engine upgrades, fuel system integration, cabin modification, pipework installation and automation upgrades. Its innovative “short‑period cabin modularisation” method, already validated on prior vessels, was further optimised for SEASPAN YANGTZE, streamlining on‑board works.

The EPC delivery model integrates design, procurement, construction and software compatibility. Particular focus was placed on seamless integration and testing of new and legacy systems for main engine control, remote control, methanol fuel management and engine‑room automation, resolving technical bottlenecks and enabling early completion.

Environmental performance defines the project’s core advantage. Running on clean methanol, the vessel’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) is approximately 55% lower than the Phase 0 minimum requirement, exceeding baseline standards and achieving international leadership in energy efficiency and carbon reduction potential.

Tailored for the high‑end international market, the EPC solution offers customised retrofits for in‑service vessels, suiting a wide range of large container ships and enabling integrated dual‑fuel delivery. While a new‑build large methanol dual‑fuel container vessel takes five to six years, the COSCO SHIPPING retrofit model delivers in around 18 months from contract to handover. Approximately 15 months are allocated for equipment procurement, during which the vessel remains operational, with less than three months required for dockside works. The approach minimises downtime and operational costs, supporting shipowners in maximising returns and providing a cost‑effective, scalable Chinese solution for global shipping’s low‑carbon transition.