COSCO SHIPPING Lines - Experts & Thought Leaders

Classification society - DNV has signed a new contract with Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Zhoushan Shipyard (COSCO) during Nor-Shipping 2025 for the classification of a newly contracted methanol-ethanol ready Suezmax DP2 shuttle tanker ordered by Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers (KNOT). The vessel, part of a broader fleet expansion by KNOT, to be operated under charter to Norwegian energy major - Equinor, marks the latest milestone in a long-standing collaboration between the companies. Suezmax DP2 shuttle tanker The 154,000-deadweight-tonne (dwt) shuttle tanker features dual-fuel capability with methanol-readiness The 154,000-deadweight-tonne (dwt) shuttle tanker features dual-fuel capability with methanol-readiness, and complies with IMO NOx-Tier III and EEDI Phase 3 regulations. The advanced vessel design is another demonstration of how technical innovation and global partnerships are enabling the maritime industry to meet environmental requirements, and enhance sustainability and safety, while remaining efficient and competitive. KNOT, DNV, and Equinor partnership Guo Zhiqiang, Deputy General Manager, Commercial Headquarters, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, said: “We, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry are pleased to see this great milestone achieved for the exciting project. We appreciate the trust and support from our partners, namely KNOT, DNV, and Equinor in the past years.” He adds, “COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry have delivered more than ten 154K DP shuttle tankers for KNOT together under the classification of DNV, and this project will be the first DP shuttle tanker we build for world first class oil major - Equinor.” Guo Zhiqiang continues, “We are proud of it and committed to implement with our high QHSE standards during the project execution and deliver a most satisfied shuttle tanker to our partners. This new milestone is a new start, and we also look forward to seeing future cooperation among the parties.” DNV and COSCO sign contract for DP2 Shuttle Tanker Tom Ketil Knutsen, General Manager Newbuiding & Innovation at KNOT, said: “We are proud to attend the signing of a new contract between DNV and COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry (Zhoushan) Co., Ltd, for a 154.000 dwt DP2 Shuttle Tanker, set for delivery in early 2028.” Tom Ketil Knutsen adds, “Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers are thrilled to mark this as another exciting chapter in the enduring relationship between DNV, Equinor and Knutsen - a partnership rooted in mutual trust and collaboration from our early beginning in the North Sea to our expansion into the Brazilian waters. This milestone not only strengthens our bond but also celebrates the continued success of our collaboration.” Support the expansion of KNOT’s shuttle tanker fleet Øyvind Pettersen, Head of the Technical Centre China at DNV Maritime, commented: “At DNV we are very pleased with the trust placed in us as the classification partner for this exciting new project, and to support the continued expansion of KNOT’s shuttle tanker fleet. Each COSCO newbuilding reflects a shared commitment from all partners to safer, lower-carbon, more efficient, and technically advanced offshore operations.” Øyvind Pettersen adds, “We are committed to providing the independent assurance and technical standards that are helping to bring greater transparency and trust to these investments and look forward to continuing this productive cooperation. In addition, DNV extend our heartfelt congratulations to KNOT as they celebrate their 40th anniversary, made even more special by marking it here at Nor-Shipping.” Vessel to be equipped with McGregor's bow loading system The vessel will be equipped with a fifth-generation bow loading system developed by McGregor, to enhance the safety and efficiency of loading from offshore production units in challenging sea conditions. In addition, it will be shore power ready and fitted with VOC prevention systems to reduce operational emissions. This is the sixth vessel in a current series of newbuilds placed by KNOT at COSCO, bringing the total number of DP2 Suezmax shuttle tankers ordered by KNOT at the yard to 12 vessels.

Swiss marine power company WinGD has reached a milestone in realising its X-DF-M methanol-fuelled engine design, running the first commercial engine at full load on more than 95% methanol fuel. The ten-cylinder, 92-bore 10X92DF-M engine was run on a testbed at CSSC-MES Diesel (CMD) in Shanghai in mid-December. Newbuild X-DF-M engine The single-fuel 10X92-B engines on earlier vessels in the series will be converted for methanol The engine will be installed on the fourth of a series of 16,000 TEU container vessels being built for COSCO Shipping Lines at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) shipyard.  As reported, the single-fuel 10X92-B engines on earlier vessels in the series will be converted for methanol once the first newbuild X-DF-M engine has been commissioned.  WinGD remarkable efforts WinGD Vice President Research & Development Sebastian Hensel said: “After validating the methanol technology on our 920 mm bore Single Cylinder Test Engine, the 10X92DF-M is running smoothly at full load and according to our expectations." "This achievement is a key moment in delivering on our promises to our customers considering methanol fuel, and I am grateful to our engine builder partner CMD and our colleagues across WinGD for their remarkable efforts.” WinGD’s site team The engine ran with less than 5% pilot fuel and minimal pilot fuel injector opening times The engine ran with less than 5% pilot fuel and minimal pilot fuel injector opening times. WinGD’s site team at CMD reported excellent engine condition following the full methanol running.  The trip function to diesel fuel and switching to methanol, at 45% and 75% engine load, were also tested. Engine testing will now proceed on schedule for delivery to the yard within the agreed timeline. WinGD’s methanol technology Earlier this year, COSCO Shipping Lines confirmed the selection of 9X92DF-M engines for an additional twelve 14,000 TEU vessels, reinforcing the company’s strong support for WinGD’s methanol technology.  In total WinGD has 56 X-DF-M engines on order covering a range of bore sizes, with discussions ongoing for several more engines.

Anemoi Marine Technologies completed the installation of five Rotor Sails onboard the 400,000 dwt Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), Sohar Max, making it the largest vessel to receive wind propulsion technology to date. Sohar Max is a first-generation Valemax, built in 2012 in China’s Rongsheng shipyard. Rotor Sails The project showcased the global collaboration between Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A., Omani shipowner Asyad, and UK-based Rotor Sail provider Anemoi. The five 35 m tall, 5 m diametre Rotor Sails were retrofitted onboard Sohar Max at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China, in October 2024. In addition, Anemoi has installed its bespoke folding deployment system, which will enable sails to be folded vertically to mitigate any impacts on the vessel’s cargo handling operations.  6% fuel savings Sohar Max has just completed a voyage to Tubarao, during which the rotor sail test period began With the installation of the Rotor Sails, it is expected that Sohar Max will be able to reduce its fuel consumption by up to 6% and cut carbon emissions by up to 3,000 tonnes annually. Sohar Max has just completed a voyage to Tubarao, during which the rotor sail test period began and testing will continue on future voyages. Decarbonisation of maritime transport “Since 2010, Vale has been operating with highly efficient ships and, in recent years, has fostered initiatives for the adoption of wind energy, which will play a central role in the decarbonisation of maritime transport of iron ore,” says Vale’s Director of Shipping, Rodrigo Bermelho. “This project reinforces this tradition of Vale’s shipping area of investing in innovation and stimulating the modernisation of the fleet to reduce emissions, in partnership with shipowners.” Wind energy “This is an exciting landmark project for Anemoi, and wind propulsion in general, as it demonstrates the significant impact wind energy has on even the largest vessels. Installing our Rotor Sails on this scale is a proud moment, showcasing our award-winning technology on another ore carrier,” said Nick Contopoulos, Chief Production & Partnerships Officer of Anemoi Marine Technologies. “We are thrilled to be a part of Vale and Asyad’s ongoing sustainability plans and to support their efforts in driving decarbonisation across the maritime industry.” Reducing carbon emissions The project is expected to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions “We extend our deepest thanks to all our partners who made this retrofit possible. Together, we’re advancing meaningful change and driving the industry towards a greener future,” he added. In October 2024, Vale announced it is also set to install Anemoi’s Rotor Sails onboard the 400,000 dwt VLOC NSU Tubarao, which is owned by NS United Kaiun Kaisha. The project, which is due for completion in September 2025, is expected to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. CII and EEDI/EEXI These projects with Vale are the latest in a series of ongoing installation projects Anemoi has with some of the world’s biggest shipowners and operators, which are looking to harness wind energy to increase the efficiency of their vessels by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Rotor Sails are being increasingly embraced by shipowners who are aiming to achieve net-zero emissions and enhance the energy performance of vessels. Rotor Sails is a compact technology that offers a large thrust force to propel ships, helping them comply with pivotal international emission reduction benchmarks such as CII and EEDI/EEXI.