SIMIC

The UK's Loadstar's enquiries at the state-controlled Chinese liner giant's affiliated shipbuilder, Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Yangzhou, showed that Cosco Shipping is considering commissioning at least six 23,000 TEU ships and nine 15,000 TEU vessels.

The 23,000 TEU vessels are expected to be dual-fuelled with methanol, while the 15,000 TEU ships will be powered by high sulphur fuel oil but would be methanol-ready. It is estimated that together, the newbuildings could cost approximately US$3 billion.

When contacted, a representative at Cosco Shipping referred The Loadstar to the H1 2022 financial report of its immediate parent, Cosco Ship Holding (CSH). The report stated that CSH will accelerate the building of a green and low-carbon fleet, to support a green and low-carbon fuel supply chain to adapt to the new environmental protection rules, and promote renewable energy in the port and shipping industries.

As of June 30, the Cosco group, including OOCL, had 32 ships of 580,000 TEU under construction, including 10 ships that were ordered by Cosco Shipping and 10 vessels by OOCL last year. The group is now the fourth-largest liner operator, with a total capacity of 2.87 million TEU.

Even as freight rates, particularly on the Asia-US West Coast lane, have been falling, major mainline operators appear unrelenting in replenishing their fleets, especially to meet the global decarbonisation target in 2050.

Methanol and LNG are viewed as cost-effective and cleaner alternatives to very low sulphur fuel oil.