On December 22nd, the " NEW EXPLORER"—a methanol dual-fuel intelligent very large crude carrier (VLCC) built by Dalian Shipbuilding of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for China Merchants Shipping—was delivered in Dalian, China. This milestone marks the world's first methanol dual-fuel VLCC to officially enter commercial service.

This vessel is the 8th-generation VLCC independently developed by CSSC Dalian Shipbuilding and is classed by the China Classification Society (CCS).  It has an overall length of approximately 333 meters and a crude oil carrying capacity of around 2.1 million barrels. Boasting superior performance attributes including excellent seaworthiness, strong port adaptability, low emissions, and smart operations, it features a shallower full-load draft than conventional VLCCs. This design not only significantly enhances navigation convenience through the Malacca Strait, but also greatly improves its port compatibility.

Equipped with a domestically manufactured methanol dual-fuel main engine and a methanol fuel supply system, the vessel achieves a reduction of up to 92% in carbon dioxide emissions, 99% in sulfur oxide emissions, and 90% in particulate matter compared to vessels powered by conventional fossil fuels.

Furthermore, the vessel integrates self-developed on-board intelligent platforms, such as an intelligent liquid cargo control system and an intelligent engine room operation and maintenance system. These systems collectively boost the economic efficiency, operational efficiency, and safety of the vessel. In particular, the intelligent liquid cargo control system integrates over ten subsystems related to crude oil loading, unloading, and transportation, providing core functions including multi-system coordinated control, intelligent cargo handling operations, and expert knowledge-based decision support.

Throughout the research, design, construction, and commissioning phases, CCS was deeply involved, providing comprehensive green and intelligent technical solutions for the "