COSCO's Methanol-Powered Container Ship Debuts on Australia Route

                       COSCO Debuts Methanol-Powered Containership on Australia Trade Lane
Sydney, 22 July 2025 – COSCO Shipping has marked a new era in sustainable maritime transport with the inaugural call of its first methanol-fueled containership, MV Green Ocean, at Sydney Port. The 8,200-TEU vessel will operate weekly between China and Australia, cutting carbon emissions by 65% compared to conventional ships.
Technical Highlights
 Dual-fuel engines running on green methanol
 Carbon capture system reclaiming 15% of emissions
 Eco-friendly hull coating reducing marine noise pollution
Service Details
Rotation: Shanghai-Ningbo-Sydney-Melbourne
Cargo Focus: Lithium ore, EV batteries, premium consumer goods
Port Incentives: 15% fee reduction under Australia's Green Shipping Program
Strategic Impact
Market Advantage: Priority berthing saves 8 hours port time
Client Commitments: BHP/FMG signed long-term contracts
Fleet Expansion: 5 additional methanol vessels planned by 2026
"The Green Ocean proves decarbonization and commercial viability can coexist," said COSCO Australia's Managing Director during the naming ceremony attended by NSW Ports officials.
Industry Response
Tesla Australia secured maiden voyage space for battery materials
Sydney Port invested A$7 million in methanol bunkering upgrades
Rival Maersk accelerating alternative-fuel deployments
Context: Methanol is emerging as the mid-term solution for shipping's energy transition, with 37 such containerships currently operating globally per ICS data.