Construction begins on three Terntank wind- and methanol-powered hybrid tankers

Terntank has revealed that the first steel has been cut for three wind- and methanol-powered, 15,000DWT hybrid tankers being built by the China Merchants Jinling shipyard.

The vessel series, known as the Hybrid Solution Plus, goes above and beyond current legislation and is said to already conform to the 2050 guidelines set out by the International Maritime Organization. Each vessel will use a combination of methanol-powered engines, wind-assisted propulsion systems and a hybrid battery system to significantly reduce emissions during operations. The tankers will also be capable of utilizing onshore power to eliminate emissions when berthed in port.

Drawing on experience gained from the construction of the AVIC Series vessels, the latest wind-assisted tankers will benefit from the previous vessels’ 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions, in addition to a further 8% emissions reduction.

The vessels will be used to transport bio feedstocks to refineries, before being loaded with finished goods to be delivered to depots. It is anticipated that the first vessel will be delivered in March 2025.

“By adding sails and operating with methanol to further reduce emissions, we will successfully meet current and future requirements set out by the EU and IMO, [while also accelerating] our net zero by 2040 target,” said Tryggve Möller, managing director of Terntank.

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