Shandong Shipping’s first 325,000-dwt methanol dual-fuel ore carrier has emerged from the building dock at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, offering the first full view of one of the most distinctive bulk carriers now under construction in China.

The vessel, hull number OC325K-17, is the lead ship in a series of 10 new-generation Guaibamax vessels being built for Shandong Shipping.

The entire series is backed by 25-year charter agreements with Brazilian mining giant Vale and will be deployed in Vale’s long-haul iron ore transportation programme, mainly serving trades between Brazil and Asia. The long-term employment provides Shandong Shipping with stable cargo coverage while supporting Vale’s programme to renew and decarbonise its maritime logistics fleet.

Its most visible feature is the installation of five 35-metre tilting rotor sails, supplied by CMES-Tech, part of the CSSC group. The tilting design is intended to minimise interference with cargo handling and navigational clearance. A visual compensation system has also been developed to address potential bridge visibility restrictions created by the rotor sails.

The vessel is additionally equipped with methanol dual-fuel propulsion, a shaft generator, high-voltage shore power and variable-frequency technologies, while reserving interfaces for future LNG, ammonia and onboard carbon capture retrofits.
Following undocking, the ship will enter the outfitting and mooring-trial phase. Delivery is scheduled before the end of November 2026.

This first appearance shows how long-term cargo commitments, alternative fuels, wind-assisted propulsion and future-ready design are beginning to converge on the world’s largest dry bulk carriers.