China: First dual-fuel methanol bunkering vessel successfully launched in Zhoushan

Editor’s Note [21 January 2026]: Vessel’s name has been updated for accuracy. 

China’s first dual-fuel methanol bunkering vessel Da Qing 268 “大庆268” was successfully launched in Zhoushan on Thursday (23 October), according to the Shenzhen Free Trade and Bonded Services Association.

The 7,500 mt capacity newbuilding was built by Shenzhen Fengyang Shipping Co., Ltd. and will be operated by China Shipping & Sinopec Shenzhen Supplier Co.,Ltd.

The vessel was designed by Zhoushan Wonderful Marine Design Co., Ltd and inspected by the Zhoushan Office of China Classification Society, meeting specifications for international ships.

It features an advanced dual-fuel system that allows for flexible switching between methanol and conventional marine fuel.

Da Qing 268 can carry chemicals, refined oil and methanol fuel; it will be mainly used for bunkering operations involving green methanol and fuel oil at port anchorages.

It will operate at the Greater Bay Area of China, a region encompasses nine cities in the Pearl River Delta including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing as well as two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

It will also be the Greater Bay Area’s first “mobile green station” specifically designed for methanol bunkering.

After launching, the vessel will undergo further outfitting, equipment commissioning and sea trials at the outfitting dock and is expected to be delivered before the end of December.

Photo credit: Shenzhen Free Trade and Bonded Services Association
Published: 24 October 2025