On September 24th， according to media reports， the world’s first methanol dual-fuel large pure car and truck carrier (PCT carrier)， the Hong Kong-flagged vessel “Port Master，” officially set sail from the Tianjin Port Global Ro-Ro Terminal on its maiden voyage. This marks a significant milestone in the development of green shipping technology.
The “Port Master” has a total length of 219.9 meters and features 13 cargo decks， with a design capacity for 9，300 standard vehicle slots. This impressive capacity allows it to transport a diverse range of vehicles and equipment， including passenger cars， trucks， buses， and heavy machinery. The ship’s design emphasizes efficiency and versatility in cargo handling.
As the first large PCT carrier globally to adopt a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system， its engines can seamlessly switch between traditional fuel and green methanol. This dual-fuel capability is crucial for meeting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier III emission standards， the highest level. When operating on green methanol， the vessel can achieve a reduction of over 70% in greenhouse gas emissions， contributing significantly to decarbonization efforts in the maritime industry.
To ensure efficient and smooth operations for the maiden voyage， the Donggang Border Inspection Station of the Tianjin Border Inspection General Station proactively implemented a “Border Inspection + Port + Shipping” linkage mechanism. Key data， including route information， crew details， and arrival/departure times， were obtained in advance of the vessel’s arrival. This allowed for the pre-completion of crew identity verification and vessel registration procedures， thereby streamlining the logistical process.
Upon the vessel’s berthing， the border inspection authorities adopted a “inspect immediately upon arrival， process upon arrival” approach. This expedited the completion of personnel identity checks and vessel supervision， substantially reducing customs clearance times. Such efficient border control measures are vital for maintaining the operational tempo of international trade and logistics.
The “Port Master” is carrying nearly 7，000 units of domestically produced vehicles and large equipment on this inaugural voyage to Europe. The successful departure of this shipment not only injects new capacity into Tianjin Port’s ro-ro transportation services， but it also serves to further open up logistics channels between the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and international markets. This accomplishment is poised to have a positive impact on the development of regional foreign trade and economic growth， highlighting China’s advancements in shipbuilding and green maritime solutions.
