The World's First Methanol Dual-Fuel Intelligent VLCC, the "Kaito," Delivered Ahead of Schedule, Marking Another Breakthrough in the Green and Intelligent Transformation of China's Shipbuilding Industry.

On December 22, the "Kaito," the world's first methanol dual-fuel intelligent very large crude carrier (VLCC), built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) in partnership with China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd. for China Merchants Energy Shipping, was delivered four months ahead of schedule. The successful delivery of this 306,000 mt vessel marks a key breakthrough for China in the field of green, intelligent, and high-end ships, providing a replicable Chinese solution for the low-carbon transformation of the global tanker transportation industry.

Reportedly, the construction contract for the "Kaito" was officially signed on September 15. It is the eighth-generation VLCC design independently developed by DSIC and is classed by China Classification Society. The vessel has a shallower loaded draft than conventional VLCCs, significantly enhancing navigation convenience through the Strait of Malacca and port adaptability, with outstanding overall seaworthiness.

The ship deeply embodies the principles of "green, environmental protection, intelligent, and safe," with significant core highlights. The power system adopts domestically produced methanol dual-fuel main engines and supply systems, allowing flexible switching between fuel oil and methanol modes. Compared to traditional fuel oil, it reduces CO2 emissions by up to 92%, SOx emissions by 99%, and particulate matter emissions by 90%, fully meeting the highest IMO Tier III emission standards. In terms of intelligence, it is equipped with a domestically developed intelligent ship platform, intelligent cargo control system, etc., achieving a triple leap in operational economy, safety, and intelligence levels. Shanghai Enais Electric supplied core electrical equipment such as the main switchboard and emergency switchboard for the vessel, ensuring its stable operation.

As the world's first VLCC to simultaneously integrate methanol dual-fuel technology and intelligent operation systems, the delivery of the "Kaito" not only demonstrates the lean management and technological integration capabilities of China's shipbuilding industry but also aligns with international environmental regulations such as the EU's FuelEU Maritime, providing core support for shipowners to cope with carbon constraints and enhance market competitiveness. This breakthrough also accumulates valuable experience for the subsequent batch construction of green intelligent ships, helping China consolidate its leading position in high-end shipbuilding and promote the green and low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.