The “Min Hou” vessel, China’s first 130-type methanol-diesel dual-fuel container-bulk hybrid vessel, was invested in and built by Minsheng Industrial (Group) Co., Ltd. It recently completed its maiden voyage, arriving at Chongqing Guoyuan Port with 395 TEU containers.
“The ‘Min Hou’ vessel represents a major breakthrough in our efforts toward sustainable inland shipping,” said Director of the Technical Department, Minsheng (Chongqing) Shipping Branch, in an exclusive interview with Bridging News on February 12. “We are committed to expanding these innovations to accelerate the green transition of the sector.”
The “Min Hou,” China’s first methanol-diesel dual-fuel container-bulk hybrid vessel with an integrated methanol tank, is the flagship of Minsheng Group’s “Inland Methanol Ship Promotion Pilot Project.” It has also been selected as part of the Ministry of Transport’s first batch of green, low-carbon transportation pilot projects, making it the only project from Chongqing included.
The “Min Hou” vessel incorporates multiple design enhancements that aim to improve operational efficiency, environmental performance, and cost-effectiveness.
According to Minsheng Group, hydrodynamic optimizations have improved the vessel’s fuel efficiency, while a redesigned cargo hold layout—widening the bay and repositioning container slots—has increased its maximum capacity to 440 TEUs. This adaptability enables both standard and wide-body containers to be efficiently transported, paving the way for seamless integration between rail and inland waterways.
On the environmental front, the “Min Hou” vessel’s use of methanol as a primary fuel offers significant advantages. “Methanol contains no sulfur and lacks carbon-carbon bonds, meaning it produces no sulfur oxides and minimal particulate matter during combustion,” The director explained. “Its low-temperature combustion characteristics also contribute to reduced nitrogen oxide emissions.”
Estimates suggest that compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels, methanol-fueled ships can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 96%, hydrocarbons by 99%, and soot by 54%, substantially reducing shipping-related pollution.
As Minsheng Group marks its 100th anniversary this year, it remains committed to leading the transition toward sustainable shipping. It has long focused on resource efficiency, emissions reduction, and adopting alternative energy in vessel design and construction.
Minsheng Group’s second vessel of the same type, the “Min Liang,” has also been put into operation. The Company revealed that the “Min Ju” and “Min Tuan” will be gradually launched later this year, further expanding its green shipping fleet.
Source: Chongqing