COSCO SHIPPING has marked a significant milestone in the development of smart and lower-carbon shipping with the naming of its new 325,000 DWT ore carrier YUAN HAI SI LU in Yangzhou, China.
Measuring 339.9 metres in length, the vessel is equipped with the world’s first digital ship delivery system and has been designed to meet the CCS i-Ship smart vessel standards. Its intelligent systems incorporate panoramic situational awareness, safety warning and decision-support capabilities, aimed at enhancing navigation safety and improving operational efficiency.
The vessel also offers greater cargo flexibility compared with conventional ore carriers of the same type. Its hold capacity is more than 40% larger, allowing it to carry full loads of both iron ore and lower-density bauxite. An optimized hull design further improves the vessel’s ability to operate in complex wind and wave conditions across the mid- and high-latitude Indian Ocean.
On the environmental front, YUAN HAI SI LU complies with the IMO EEDI Phase 3 energy-efficiency standard. The vessel is also capable of flexibly adjusting the fuel mix between green methanol and conventional fuel, providing greater adaptability as the availability and application of low-carbon marine fuels continue to develop.
The new vessel is expected to enter service and embark on its maiden voyage in October 2026, adding another advanced vessel to COSCO SHIPPING’s fleet as the company continues to pursue digitalisation, operational efficiency and shipping decarbonisation.