X-Press Feeders welcomes first retrofitted methanol-powered ship

The Singapore-based feeder carrier has been one of the leading voices pushing methanol fuel use in the maritime industry.

Noah Bovenizer June 24 2024

The PaxOcean shipyard in Zhoushan, China has completed the retrofit of a container ship with a methanol dual-fuel engine for X-Press Feeders in what PaxOcean claims is a world first. 

The 1,170 TEU feeder vessel was only delivered to the Singaporean carrier in March 2024 as a ‘methanol-ready’ ship but was commissioned for a retrofit at the Zhoushan shipyard soon after it was constructed. 

As with X-Press’ purpose-built methanol-powered ships, the Eco Umande has been fitted with a MAN Energy Solutions 5S50ME engine. 

While the vessel was originally built with a methanol fuel reserve, the retrofit saw PaxOcean add a complete methanol fuel system, including stainless steel pipes for its supply and modifications to existing fuel systems. 

X-Press says that the retrofit furthers its position as one of the industry leaders in pushing the use of methanol as a more sustainable alternative to traditional marine gas oil. 

Last month, the company conducted the first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation in the Port of Singapore. In July last year, X-Press became the first feeder carrier to sign a green methanol deal with OCI Global. 

The operator has made 14 dual-fuel vessel orders in the last few years, with deliveries beginning at the beginning of 2024 and continuing until mid-2026 as part of X-Press' ambition to reach net zero by 2050. 

According to its sustainability plans, the dual-fuel ships will produce around 65% less greenhouse gas emissions than X-Press conventional vessels, with the potential for carbon neutrality with the use of green methanol.

Uncover your next opportunity with expert reports

Steer your business strategy with key data and insights from our latest market research reports and company profiles. Not ready to buy? Start small by downloading a sample report first.

Newsletters by sectors

close

Sign up to the newsletter: In Brief

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Thank you for subscribing

View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network.

close