China has launched the world’s first intelligent crude oil tanker powered by methanol, named “Kaito,” in the city of Dalian in Liaoning province, northeast China.
The vessel is approximately 333 meters long and has a capacity to transport about 2.1 million barrels of crude oil, making it one of the largest oil tankers in the world. It was designed by the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company, part of a state-owned enterprise group.
The “Kaito” features a specially designed dual-fuel engine that relies on methanol, contributing to a 92% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to ships running on traditional fuel. This move reflects China’s commitment to achieving environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
The ship is also equipped with integrated intelligent systems, including a ship management platform, a liquid cargo control system, and an automated engine monitoring and maintenance system. This enhances safety, improves operational efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and positions it at the forefront of global intelligent shipping.
The tanker is scheduled to be used on a trade route connecting China with the Middle East. This is a strategic step to support China’s energy security and promote sustainable maritime transport as part of Beijing’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality.
This initiative is part of a series of Chinese projects to develop intelligent and environmentally friendly maritime transport, amid a global expansion in the use of alternative fuels and emission-reduction technologies.
China’s adoption of methanol for large vessels represents a significant shift in the maritime shipping industry, as leading nations seek to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and address global climate challenges.
The project also highlights China’s ability to integrate modern technology with economic strategy and sustainable energy, strengthening its position in the global competition for energy security and intelligent maritime transport.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements. In the modern era, it has developed into a major global power with a unique blend of ancient traditions and rapid technological advancement.
Zhuhai port
Zhuhai Port is a major seaport in Guangdong Province, China, located on the western bank of the Pearl River estuary. Historically, its development accelerated significantly after Zhuhai was designated as one of China’s first Special Economic Zones in 1980, transforming it into a crucial hub for trade and logistics serving the Pearl River Delta region.
Dalian
Dalian is a major port city in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province, originally developed by Russian and later Japanese forces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its history as a leased territory is reflected in its unique architectural blend and urban layout, and it has since grown into a key economic and logistical hub.
Liaoning province
Liaoning province is a historically significant region in Northeast China, once part of ancient Manchuria and home to early Qing Dynasty capitals like Shenyang. It became a major industrial base in the 20th century and is known for its rich fossil discoveries, including the early feathered dinosaur Sinosauropteryx.
Kaito
“Kaito” does not refer to a widely recognized specific place or cultural site. It is a common Japanese given name and can also refer to fictional characters, such as Kaito Kuroba from the manga *Magic Kaito*, or be part of other terms like “Kaito Kid.” Without a more specific context, it is not possible to provide a historical summary of a physical location.
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) is a major Chinese shipbuilding enterprise, founded in 1898 as part of the Dalian Naval Shipyard. It has played a significant role in China’s maritime and naval development, constructing a wide range of vessels including commercial ships, offshore platforms, and naval warships.
Middle East
The Middle East is a transcontinental region centered around Western Asia and parts of North Africa, historically known as the “Cradle of Civilization” for the emergence of ancient societies like Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. It has been a central crossroads for trade, culture, and religion for millennia, giving rise to major world faiths such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the modern era, the region’s vast oil reserves and complex geopolitical dynamics have made it a focal point of global affairs.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over three millennia as a significant political and cultural center. It served as the seat of imperial power during several dynasties, most notably the Ming and Qing, and is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it is a major global metropolis that blends ancient historical architecture with modern urban development.
