What does the future of shipping look like? It’s colossal and cleaner than ever.
In a world increasingly focused on environmental sustainability, shipping is undergoing a revolution. The GREEN SEALION 27500, a 27,500 TEU container ship designed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), sets a new benchmark in both size and green credentials. Unveiled at the SMM Hamburg Maritime Exhibition, this giant is a testament to how big doesn’t always mean worse for the environment.
This behemoth of the seas features dual-fuel propulsion, utilising LNG for cleaner energy and meeting the stringent IMO Phase III carbon reduction standards. It also achieves zero emissions while in port, thanks to its shore power capabilities, placing it at the forefront of the shipping industry’s green transition.
Alongside this record-breaking vessel, CSSC introduced four other innovative designs, including a 20,000 TEU ammonia dual-fuel container ship. This illustrates how shipping’s biggest players are working to combine scale with environmental responsibility.
DNV, the maritime classification society, further cemented the industry’s green shift by granting Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates for these revolutionary vessels, marking a critical step toward a decarbonised future.
The Arrival of a Behemoth: A New Chapter in Container Shipping
On 3 September 2024, maritime history was made. The unveiling of the 27,500 TEU container ship, named GREEN SEALION 27500, at the SMM Hamburg Maritime Exhibition marks not only a new era in terms of shipping capacity but also environmental innovation. Developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute, this vessel is the largest container ship ever built, surpassing previous records and setting a new standard for the future of shipping.
What’s a TEU?
A TEU, or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit, is the industry standard for measuring container capacity. It refers to the space occupied by a standard twenty-foot shipping container. So, when we say 27,500 TEUs, imagine a line of containers 27,500 units long – that’s how colossal this vessel is.
Revolutionising the High Seas: From LNG to Zero-Emission Ports
But what truly sets the GREEN SEALION 27500 apart is its commitment to sustainability. We’re all familiar with the fact that the global shipping industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. With regulations like the IMO Phase III carbon reduction standards looming large over the industry, it was clear that massive change was needed – and fast.
Enter dual-fuel LNG propulsion, a technology designed to reduce emissions by switching between traditional fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is known for burning more cleanly, emitting lower levels of CO2, sulphur, and nitrogen oxides. The vessel’s hull design has been optimised for efficiency, lowering resistance through water and further improving its environmental performance.
Perhaps even more impressive, however, is the ship’s ability to reach zero emissions when docked, thanks to shore power technology. Shore power allows vessels to plug into the local electric grid at port, cutting emissions that typically occur when ships idle, running on fuel. This is a massive step toward decarbonising shipping ports globally, making the GREEN SEALION 27500 as green as it is enormous.
A Green Fleet: CSSC’s Ambitious Designs
The unveiling of the GREEN SEALION 27500 was only part of CSSC’s showcase. At the same event, the company introduced four additional designs, all granted Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV, the leading maritime classification society. Among these were:
- A 20,000 TEU ammonia dual-fuel container ship
- A 16,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship
- A 103,000 cubic meter Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC)
- A 93,000 cubic meter Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC)
These vessels underscore a clear message: sustainability is no longer optional for the shipping industry – it’s the future. Ammonia, in particular, represents a promising fuel alternative due to its carbon-neutral potential. It is seen by many as the next big thing in decarbonising global shipping, and CSSC is clearly committed to leading the charge.
The Role of DNV: Paving the Way for a Greener Future
The significance of DNV’s Approval in Principle (AiP) certification cannot be overstated. As a global authority in maritime classification, DNV ensures that ships comply with the latest safety and environmental standards. By granting AiP to CSSC and other shipbuilders for their green-fuel designs, DNV is endorsing these technologies as the way forward.
In addition to the GREEN SEALION 27500, DNV also awarded AiPs to other companies at the exhibition, such as Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company (HPWS), for its SWAN 3,500 TEU ammonia-fuelled container ship and the SWAN 1,300 TEU LNG-fuelled ice-class feeder vessel. These designs are aimed at intra-European trade, a market ripe for decarbonisation.
Biofuels on the Rise: Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Milestone
Beyond the grand unveiling of new vessels, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global leader in shipping and logistics, received an industry-first verification from DNV for using B100 biofuel on its Morning Post vehicle carrier. Biofuel is another pathway to cutting emissions, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s achievement marks a significant step forward. Their vessel, fuelled with 100% biofuel, achieved a remarkable 90% reduction in CO2 emissions.
This milestone shows that large-scale implementation of biofuels, like B100, can substantially impact shipping’s carbon footprint. With both biofuels and alternative fuels like ammonia and LNG on the rise, shipping is finally beginning to turn the tide on its historical contribution to global emissions.
In a remarkable step toward decarbonising global shipping, the world’s largest container ship, the GREEN SEALION 27500, was unveiled in Hamburg. This 27,500 TEU behemoth boasts LNG dual-fuel propulsion and an optimised hull design that complies with IMO Phase III standards. Its innovative shore power technology allows it to achieve zero emissions while docked. The ship is part of a broader push by CSSC to introduce eco-friendly vessels, with several new designs receiving Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV. Biofuels also made waves at the event, with Wallenius Wilhelmsen achieving a breakthrough in B100 biofuel usage.
“The GREEN SEALION 27500 is not just the largest ship on the seas; it’s a symbol of how innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.”
Are you ready to navigate the seas of tomorrow? Learn more about how these advancements will shape the future of global shipping and sustainability.
