The retrofitted Ling Xian 1 is tested in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province on Sept 11. [Photo/Tide News]

China's first vessel retrofitted with a methanol dual-fuel engine, the Ling Xian 1, completed its sea trials in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, on Sept 11.

This successful sea trial marks a significant milestone for Zhoushan in promoting green transformation in the shipping industry and advancing its role as an international logistics hub.

During the six-hour trial, the operational parameters, fuel consumption, output power, and sailing speed of the methanol dual-fuel engine under various conditions were tested, with all results meeting design standards.

Methanol, a liquid fuel at ambient temperature, offers greater safety compared to LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen, making it a promising green fuel in the shipping industry.

The highlight of Ling Xian 1 is the conversion of the main engine to a methanol dual-fuel engine, which led to it receiving the first-ever certificate for such a conversion on an active operational vessel to be issued by China Classification Society, founded in 1956 and headquartered in Beijing.

Calculations show that the retrofitted Ling Xian 1 can save approximately 25 percent in fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions by about 11.25 percent. It also significantly cuts emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur compounds, and particulates, greatly enhancing the vessel's operational economy and environmental performance.