Sanfu Shipyard delivers advanced methanol-powered container feeders to MPC

In a significant advancement for sustainable shipping, Sanfu Shipyard in China has delivered two innovative methanol dual-fuel container feeder vessels to MPC Container Ships and North Sea Container Line. The NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland, launched in February and April 2025, respectively, are set to establish a green corridor across the North Sea, marking a pivotal step in reducing carbon emissions in maritime transport.

Pioneering Sustainable Shipping Technology

The NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland are the first container ships designed to operate on eco-friendly methanol fuel. Built to DNV class standards by Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering Co., Ltd., these vessels have a capacity of 1,300 TEU and are engineered for carbon-neutral operation. Both ships are equipped with advanced features that enhance cargo flexibility and safety, including a state-of-the-art methanol fuel system supplied by Qingdao Sunrui. This system has undergone rigorous testing by DNV to ensure its reliability and safety.

Constantin Baack, CEO of MPC Container Ships, emphasized the importance of these vessels in the company’s decarbonization strategy. “These innovative feeder vessels mark the next step in our efforts to reduce emissions,” he stated. The vessels are designed to operate on ‘green’ methanol from day one, positioning MPCC as a leader in sustainable shipping practices. The collaboration between MPCC, North Sea Container Line, and DNV has been crucial in overcoming initial reservations about the project, leading to successful vessel delivery.

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The vessels also incorporate cutting-edge technology to optimize carbon intensity ratings and operational efficiency. Each ship can carry up to 380 refrigerated containers, and features like a shore power system and an advanced energy management system further minimise their environmental footprint. These innovations reflect a commitment to meeting stringent 2050 emission standards today.

Enhanced Performance and Flexibility

The NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland are designed for optimal performance in sub-arctic waters, featuring DNV ice class certification. Their unique design includes a deckhouse positioned at the bow, providing unobstructed visibility even when fully loaded. This design enhances navigational agility, allowing for quick transitions from half-speed to full reverse in just 160 seconds.

In terms of cargo capacity, these vessels surpass existing feeder ships by approximately 40%, significantly boosting North Sea Container Line’s transport capabilities. They are equipped with two 45-tonne cranes each, enabling efficient loading and unloading without the need for land-based infrastructure. The hatchless cargo holds facilitate rapid operations at multiple ports, reducing berthing times.

As part of their commitment to sustainability, North Sea Container Line is also transitioning to a fleet of carbon-neutral vessels, including the upcoming ammonia-powered container ship, Yara Eyde, set to launch in 2026. The delivery of the NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland is a major milestone in achieving an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, according to CEO Bente Hetland. “These vessels symbolize innovation and demonstrate the potential of collaborative efforts in making sea freight greener and more reliable,” she stated.