ORIENT Overseas Container Line has ordered seven methanol-compatible 24,000-TEU containerships.
The Hong Kong-headquartered company expects delivery of these new ships to start from the third quarter of 2026.
In a statement, OOCL said the “green fuel technologies” on these vessels were a “significant milestone” in its “decarbonisation journey”.
Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering will build the vessels at a cost of US$239.85 million. OOCL’s total investment in the vessels will come to US$1.7 billion.
OOCL chief operating officer Kenny Ye said the company believes it can be green and competitive at the same time without sacrificing one for the other.
“These vessels will help OOCL grow its fleet in a healthy and balanced manner, allowing us to enhance our network design and strengthen our long-haul routes, in line with our long-term development plan,” he said.
“More importantly, I believe that the ordering of these methanol-compatible vessels represents a hugely important step on our decarbonisation journey towards a greener future.”
OOCL is not the first major shipping line to order methanol capable vessels. Maersk has ordered such vessels.
And recently, a New Zealand logistics company has made steps towards acquiring a methanol-capable ro-ro vessel for coastal routes.
