In a significant advancement for sustainable maritime transport, China has unveiled the world's largest methanol-powered dual fuel engine in Shanghai. Announced on Tuesday by its producer, the engine marks a monumental achievement in green technology and vessel propulsion.
Developed entirely within China by the China State Shipbuilding Cooperation, the engine weighs nearly 1,953 tons and boasts a maximum power output of 64,500 kilowatts. This impressive 'giant heart' is slated for installation on a 16,000-TEU container ship, where it will make its debut.
Equipped with an advanced digitalized smart control system, the engine operates on methanol fuel for 95 percent of its power generation. This shift significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by over 7.5 percent. Dong Jingjin, project manager of the methanol engine project, highlighted the environmental benefits, stating, \"Let us make a comparison. Suppose the engine runs 300 days every year, the carbon emission reduced is equal to the total emissions of 72,000 gasoline passenger cars in a year.\"
This innovation arrives at a crucial time as the water transport industry undergoes a green transformation. The methanol engine is expected to meet the growing market demand for environmentally friendly propulsion solutions. Dong added, \"Engines of this type have now been successfully installed on container ships and bulk carriers. The following market demand for methanol engines is quite considerable, and we are going to turn out different methanol engines in two to three years, hopefully applied to more types of chemical carriers and special purpose vessels, and provide more environment-friendly and efficient power solutions.\"
As global trade continues to expand, the introduction of such advanced, eco-friendly engines underscores China's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and leading the maritime industry towards a more sustainable future.
Reference(s):
China unveils world's largest methanol-powered dual fuel engine
cgtn.com
