By GMM Technologies | 2025-12-03 | Maritime Industry News |

Asia Pacific Shipping has taken delivery of Vietnam’s first methanol dual-fuel MR2 oil/chemical tanker, “ASP Rainbow”, at Guangzhou Shipyard International, a subsidiary of CSSC.

Vietnamese shipowner Asia Pacific Shipping (ASP) on Tuesday (2 December) said it has taken delivery of Vietnam’s first methanol dual-fuel MR2 oil/chemical tanker, ASP Rainbow, at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

The milestone was celebrated with the official delivery of 49,500-dwt ASP Rainbow and the joint naming ceremony for the tanker and its sister vessel, ASP Sunshine, on 20 November.

“The two vessels, named ASP Rainbow and ASP Sunshine, are not only the first in a series of new builds ordered by ASP but are also the first commercial vessels in Vietnam to utilise dual-fuel technology,” the company said.

“Putting these new tankers into operation, which are capable of running on both traditional fuel and methanol, enables ASP to become the pioneer in Vietnam to own a fleet capable of using clean fuel.

“This technology not only offers maximum operational flexibility but also makes the vessels significantly friendlier to the environment.”

ASP added the move holds important strategic significance, particularly in the context of increasingly tightening international maritime environmental regulations, which have a direct impact on the adoption of methanol as an alternative fuel.

“Investing in methanol dual-fuel technology helps ASP overcome future environmental challenges while maintaining a competitive advantage in global business operations,” ASP added.

This is the first delivery in the company’s plan to build a series of methanol-powered MR2 vessels that ASP signed with GSI in 2024.