At the prestigious SMM Hamburg Maritime Exhibition, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) made waves by debuting the world’s largest container ship, the GREEN SEALION 27500, with an enormous capacity of 27,500 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). The vessel has not only set new standards for size but also for sustainability, showcasing the future of eco-friendly marine transport.
The GREEN SEALION 27500 is a dual-fuel ship, primarily powered by LNG, which significantly reduces carbon emissions and adheres to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Phase III carbon reduction standards. The vessel’s Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate, awarded by the DNV classification society, further solidifies its commitment to sustainable practices. But it’s not just about the cargo capacity—CSSC has optimized the hull design to improve fuel efficiency, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can coexist. Moreover, the ship can achieve zero emissions while docked, thanks to its integration with shore power systems.
Expanding the Fleet of Green Marine Technology
In addition to the GREEN SEALION 27500, CSSC introduced several other revolutionary vessels that continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable shipping:
- GREEN SEALION 20000: A 20,000 TEU ammonia dual-fuel container ship, which takes a bold step towards reducing emissions by using ammonia, an alternative fuel that further lowers carbon output.
- GREEN SEALION 16000: A 16,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship designed with an enhanced energy-efficient wide-body structure, ensuring optimal cargo capacity while minimising its environmental impact.
- Advanced Liquefied Gas Carriers: CSSC also revealed two cutting-edge vessels, a 103,000 cubic metre Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) and a 93,000 cubic metre Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC). Both ships are designed to transport LPG, ethane, and ammonia, featuring state-of-the-art propulsion and energy-saving systems to further advance green shipping solutions.
Driving the Future of Sustainable Supply Chains
These technological advancements in shipping are undeniably impressive, but their success hinges on more than just the ships themselves. To truly maximise the environmental and operational benefits, businesses and shipping companies must adopt and intergrate supply chain and climate impact visibility software. Real-time data insights provided by these systems allow Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to make critical, data-driven decisions.
With real-time visibility, stakeholders can accurately track shipments, monitor environmental conditions, and anticipate disruptions, all while ensuring compliance with climate regulations. As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, such technology will be essential to navigating the complexities of modern logistics.
The ability to monitor key metrics like fuel consumption, port delays, and CO2 emissions enables BCOs and LSPs to mitigate risks and improve supply chain resilience. By integrating visibility software, companies can make informed decisions that not only optimise logistics but also support broader sustainability goals, ensuring that the transition to green shipping becomes a reality.
A Call to Action for the Future of Logistics
The debut of the GREEN SEALION 27500 and its sister vessels marks a pivotal moment for the global maritime industry. CSSC has set a new benchmark for container ships, but the next step for the industry must involve empowering BCOs and LSPs with the real-time data needed to manage the impact on their supply chains. The future of logistics depends on visibility, and as these groundbreaking ships take to the seas, the tools to monitor and mitigate supply chain disruptions must sail alongside them.