On June 1, 2026, at the Qinfeng Shipyard in Yancheng, Jiangsu, colorful flags flew and horns sounded as the 15,000 ton methanol only direct to sea bulk carrier "Innovation 21," owned by Wuhan Innovation Jianghai Shipping Co., Ltd., successfully obtained its full set of vessel certificates and officially set sail. The smooth commissioning of this green, intelligent vessel not only strengthens the domestic fleet of methanol powered ships but also marks a milestone: Shanghai YONZOE's fully self developed marine navigation radar has achieved large scale domestic substitution for high end marine navigation equipment, using cutting edge technology to safeguard green shipping.
The "Innovation 21" measures 129.70 meters in length overall and 22.60 meters in molded breadth, making it a prime green bulk carrier well suited for combined river sea transport. The vessel is equipped with the CS8L21M methanol only medium speed engine, independently developed by CSSC’s 711th Research Institute, with a methanol substitution rate exceeding 90%. Compared to traditional fuel oil vessels, when using green methanol, this ship reduces sulfur oxide emissions by over 90% and cuts carbon emissions by more than 90%, offering a combination of environmental, economic, and safety benefits. Additionally, methanol’s liquid state storage at room temperature and simple operation make such methanol powered vessels more advantageous in terms of operational management than LNG or hybrid vessels, positioning them as a preferred choice for the low carbon transition in inland river and direct to sea shipping.
Safe and steady voyages rely on precise navigation; navigating rivers and seas, YONZOE has it covered. As the core "eyes" of a vessel, marine navigation radar directly determines the ship's ability to detect routes, identify obstacles, and avoid hazards in adverse sea conditions. For the "Innovation 21," Shanghai YONZOE's self developed marine navigation radar was installed across the entire vessel. With excellent detection performance, stable operation, and strong adaptability, it fully met the navigation requirements of complex river sea channels and successfully completed the domestic substitution of high end marine radar, breaking the long standing industry reliance on imported high end navigation equipment.
With over a decade of dedication to the marine navigation sector, Shanghai YONZOE has always adhered to the philosophy of independent innovation, focusing on the R&D, production, and service of marine intelligent equipment. It is recognized as a high tech enterprise and a specialized and sophisticated SME in Shanghai. Leveraging mature digital signal processing technology, YONZOE marine radars excel in core metrics such as sea and rain clutter suppression and precise small target detection. Even in complex river sea environments with poor visibility and strong electromagnetic interference, they deliver clear, stable detection images, accurately identifying channel buoys, small vessels, submerged rocks, and other targets, thereby comprehensively enhancing vessel navigation safety. Moreover, the products offer high reliability, low maintenance costs, and exceptional cost performance, perfectly aligning with the large scale, routine operational needs of green commercial fleets.
As of June 2026, the first batch of four 15,000 ton methanol only direct to sea vessels for Wuhan Innovation Jianghai Shipping is progressing steadily. Upon completion, it will become the largest methanol only direct to sea fleet in China. Shanghai YONZOE radar has achieved full fleet volume deployment for this green vessel series, deeply integrating into the core supply chain of green commercial vessels and becoming a preferred brand for domestically produced navigation equipment.
From traditional fuel powered vessels to methanol powered green ships, the shipping industry is accelerating its transition toward a low carbon, intelligent future. From foreign radar monopolies to the comprehensive breakthrough of domestic equipment, China's marine navigation industry has forged a path of independent innovation. Looking ahead, Shanghai YONZOE will continue to uphold its commitment to technological innovation, continuously improving product performance and optimizing support services. It will persist in advancing the domestic substitution of ship communication and navigation equipment, serving as a reliable "eye on the water" to guide every Chinese vessel across the seas and into the deep blue, while partnering with shipping partners in building a new, green future for maritime transport.
