DALIAN, China – In a significant advancement for sustainable maritime technology, China has unveiled its first domestically developed methanol dual-fuel intelligent crude carrier. The vessel, christened “NEW EXPLORER,” was officially delivered at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company on Monday, December 23, 2025, representing a breakthrough in green shipbuilding innovation.
The sophisticated very large crude carrier (VLCC), constructed for China Merchants Energy Shipping, incorporates China’s proprietary methanol propulsion system including dual-fuel engines and supply infrastructure. This cutting-edge technology substantially reduces environmental pollutants, with dramatically lower emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter compared to conventional tankers.
Beyond its green credentials, the NEW EXPLORER showcases China’s autonomous advancements in maritime intelligence systems. The vessel features an integrated smart ship platform complemented by an advanced cargo management system with complete independent intellectual property rights. This sophisticated system harmonizes more than ten distinct operational subsystems governing crude oil loading, unloading, and transportation processes.
The intelligent liquid management architecture enables multi-system collaborative control, automated loading/unloading operations, and AI-driven decision support capabilities. These innovations collectively enhance both operational safety standards and transportation efficiency, establishing new benchmarks for the global shipping industry’s technological transformation toward sustainable and intelligent vessel operations.