VESSEL REVIEW | Minhou – Methanol dual-fuel containership built for Chinese inland waters

A new container vessel capable of operating in inland waters was recently delivered by China’s Zhijiang Jiangrui Shipping to local owner Minsheng Steamship.

Minhou (民厚) is notable for being fitted with a dual-fuel propulsion system that can run on either diesel or methanol. The methanol fuel is supplied from an integrated tank with the aid of a specialised vertical magnetic methanol pump developed by the China Shipbuilding Group. These attributes make it the first Chinese-built, methanol-diesel, dual-fuel inland vessel with an integrated methanol tank.

Low-emission propulsion ideal for river navigation

Compared with ships that run entirely on diesel, the vessel’s methanol propulsion will deliver 96 per cent fewer carbon monoxide emissions, 99 per cent fewer hydrocarbon emissions, and 54 per cent less smoke. Methanol also carries no risk of producing SOx, NOx, and particulate matter.

Minhou has an LOA of 129.97 metres (426.41 feet), a beam of 16.26 metres (53.35 feet), a draught of 4.6 metres (15 feet), a depth of 6.6 metres (22 feet), a full load displacement of 10,629 tonnes, a deadweight of 6,800, and a capacity of 440 TEUs. Both standard and rail-compatible widebody containers can be transported.

Designed for cargo-carrying flexibility

When Minhou was designed, fluid dynamics calculations were used to optimise the ship's alignment and make the operation more economical. At the same time, according to the characteristics of standard containers and widebody containers, the layout of the ship area, the width of the cargo hold, and the position of the keel were redesigned and arranged, so as to achieve the maximum load capacity of containers.

Construction of Minhou was completed in compliance with China Classification Society rules. The ship recently completed its maiden operational voyage, transporting 395 standard containers laden with raw materials, automotive parts and other commodities from Shanghai to its homeport of Chonqqing.

Development of Minhou is one of the first ship construction projects under Minsheng Steamship’s Pilot Project for the Promotion and Demonstration Application of Inland Methanol Ships. Another three container vessels from the same series are scheduled to enter service with Minsheng Steamship in Chinese inland waters before the end of this year.