The first vessel of Shandong Shipping's 325,000 dwt methanol dual-fuel new ore carrier project, OC325K-17, has recently completed its dock construction and been undocked, marking the vessel's formal transition into the quayside outfitting and mooring trial phase.

The vessel, part of a new generation of GuaibaMax-type ore carriers, is equipped with five rotor sail wind-assisted propulsion energy-saving devices, a high-voltage shore power system, a shaft generator, and variable frequency drive technology for key equipment. It also incorporates future-proof interfaces for the later adoption of low-carbon technologies such as LNG, ammonia fuel, and carbon capture, and meets the IMO NOx Tier III and EEDI Phase III emission standards. According to the project schedule, the first vessel is expected to complete sea trials and be delivered into operation before the end of November 2026. With its green, environmentally friendly, smart, and high-efficiency credentials, it is set to become a highly competitive green and smart vessel type in the current international shipping market.

Shandong Shipping stated that since construction began, the company has actively coordinated resources from all parties and worked jointly with Beihai Shipbuilding to implement closed-loop management covering safety, quality, and schedule. The installation of core equipment within the dock was completed ahead of schedule, significantly compressing the overall construction cycle. The project team has been stationed at the shipyard throughout the build, providing in-depth guidance and participating in processes such as the inspection and installation of new marine equipment. It has meticulously completed the various tests of the methanol dual-fuel main engine, accumulating valuable technical data and hands-on operational experience for subsequent installation and commissioning on board.