OOCL orders seven 24,000TEU methanol-compatible container vessels

International container transportation and logistics company Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL) on Wednesday (2 November) announced a newbuilding order of seven methanol-compatible 24,000TEU container vessels with expected delivery starting from the third quarter of 2026. 

The green fuel technologies to be applied on these new vessels, most notably for the methanol dual fuel engines, constitute a significant milestone in OOCL’s decarbonization journey.

Under the terms of a contract dated 28 October 2022, the vessels will be built by Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. The cost of each vessel will be USD 239.85 million, being a total investment by OOCL of USD 1,678.95 million.

Mr. Kenny Ye, Chief Operating Officer at OOCL, said: “We believe that we can be green and competitive at the same time, without sacrificing one over 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. 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.”

Photo credit: Orient Overseas Container
Published: 4 November, 2022