Behemoths on methanol
Sometimes it is not the seven dwarfs, but the seven giants. The Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), an affiliate of Cosco, has extended its orderbook. Seven newbuilds with dual-fuel methanol-compatible engines and a capacity of 24,000 teu each have been commissioned. Deliveries are expected to begin as from Q3/2026.
Under the terms of a contract dated 28 October 2022, the vessels will be built in the wharfs of Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering. The cost of each vessel was given as USD 240 million, which brings OOCL’s total investment up to USD 1.68 billion.
Kenny Ye, chief operating officer at OOCL: “We believe that we can be green and competitive at the same time. 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 listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and currently has over 125 offices in more than 100 major cities. (sh)