OOCL Names 2nd Methanol Dual-Fuel Boxship Grace | Mariner News

Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has held the naming ceremony for its second methanol dual-fuel container ship, the 24,000 TEU OOCL Grace. The event, which took place on Friday at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., marks a significant step in the liner’s transition towards a decarbonized fleet.

The OOCL Grace is the second vessel in a series of seven identical 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel ships under construction for OOCL at the same shipyard. These vessels are equipped to operate on both methanol and conventional marine fuels.

Its sister ship, the OOCL Wisdom, was named in May and subsequently completed its inaugural green methanol bunkering in China in July, prior to commencing its maiden voyage to Europe. This operational milestone underscores the viability and immediate deployment capability of these newbuilds.

The container shipping sector continues to lead global orders for methanol-fueled newbuilds, signaling a clear industry trajectory. This growing commitment to methanol-powered boxships places increasing pressure on port infrastructure worldwide to rapidly scale up the availability of green methanol to meet anticipated demand surges. OOCL’s progressive fleet expansion with these dual-fuel vessels contributes to this evolving operational and supply chain challenge, shaping future bunkering logistics.