China VLCC Kaituo
On December 22, 2025, the world's first methanol-dual-fuel powered intelligent Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) "Kaituo" was delivered in Dalian, Liaoning Province, marking a key step forward in the green and low-carbon transformation of the global shipping industry. Built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) for China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd. (CMS), the vessel is the eighth-generation VLCC independently developed by DSIC and the world's first methanol-dual-fuel VLCC to integrate intelligent systems. It was delivered 4 months ahead of the contract schedule, demonstrating the high efficiency of Chinese shipbuilding in green and intelligent vessel construction.

I. Core Delivery Information

As the world's first methanol-dual-fuel VLCC, "Kaituo" has set multiple industry records, including the first combined trial voyage of fuel and methanol modes, the first verification of intelligent liquid cargo management systems, and the first intelligent ship system validation for methanol-dual-fuel VLCCs. It has obtained 71 patents and created new benchmarks for the shipping industry's green transformation.

II. Technical Features of the Vessel

1. Green Power System

The vessel is equipped with a domestically produced methanol-dual-fuel main engine and fuel supply system, enabling flexible switching between traditional fuel and methanol modes. It meets the highest emission standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III. When using green methanol, it reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by up to 92%, sulfur oxide (SOₓ) emissions by 99%, and particulate matter (PM) emissions by 90% compared to conventional fuel, significantly lowering the environmental impact of oil transportation.

2. Intelligent Operation System

The vessel is outfitted with domestically developed intelligent ship-based platforms, intelligent liquid cargo management systems (DS-iCargo), and intelligent engine room maintenance systems. These systems enable intelligent collaborative control, decision support, and remote monitoring of crude oil loading, unloading, and transportation, greatly improving the safety and efficiency of vessel operations. Notably, the intelligent liquid cargo management system integrates over 10 related systems, offering multi-system collaborative control, intelligent loading/unloading operations, and expert knowledge-based decision support.

3. Seaworthiness and Port Adaptability

With a total length of approximately 333 meters, "Kaituo" has a shallower draft than conventional VLCCs, enhancing its navigability through the Strait of Malacca and adaptability to ports. This design is well-suited for crude oil transportation on key routes such as the Middle East to the Far East.

III. Industry Significance and Impact

1. A Landmark Initiative in Green Shipping

The delivery of "Kaituo" is a pioneering effort by CMS in green shipping and an important practice for the global shipping industry to achieve its "carbon neutrality" goals. As the world's first methanol-dual-fuel VLCC, it provides a replicable "China solution" for the low-carbon transformation of oil transportation.

2. Technological Breakthrough in Chinese Shipbuilding

The successful construction of "Kaituo" reflects the self-reliance and strength of Chinese shipbuilding in green and intelligent vessel technology. Through independent research and development, DSIC has mastered key technologies such as methanol-dual-fuel power systems and intelligent liquid cargo management, breaking foreign monopolies in these areas and promoting the upgrading of Chinese shipbuilding to high-end, green, and intelligent products.

3. Market and Industrial Driving Effects

The delivery of "Kaituo" will further enhance the energy-saving and carbon-reduction indicators of CMS's tanker fleet, consolidating its market competitiveness. As a flagship vessel of DSIC, it has a production order backlog extending to 2030, driving the development of local shipbuilding supporting industries (such as engines and intelligent systems) and contributing to Dalian's goal of becoming a world-class shipbuilding base.

IV. Future Prospects

After delivery, "Kaituo" will be deployed on the Middle East to Far East route, providing greener and more efficient crude oil transportation services to CMS's clients. With the growing global demand for low-carbon shipping, methanol-dual-fuel VLCCs are expected to become the mainstream vessel type in the future. The technological accumulation and industrial layout of Chinese shipbuilding in this field will give it a competitive edge in the global green shipping market.
In summary, the delivery of "Kaituo" is not only a achievement of the cooperation between DSIC and CMS but also a significant breakthrough for Chinese shipbuilding in green and intelligent shipping. It provides Chinese wisdom and solutions for the global low-carbon transformation of oil transportation.

Post-Delivery Notes

The vessel will undergo final preparations before embarking on its maiden voyage. CMS and DSIC will continue to monitor its performance and optimize operations to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This delivery marks a new milestone in China's shipbuilding industry and sets a precedent for the global adoption of green methanol fuel in large-scale shipping.
(Note: All technical data and project timelines are based on official disclosures from DSIC and CMS. For more details, please refer to the official announcements of the two companies.)