What makes a container ship a low-emission vessel largely comes down to fuel. Dual-fuel main engines able to burn liquefied natural gas or methanol have been adopted in response to tightening emissions rules, and require fuel tanks and supply systems designed alongside.

The International Maritime Organization's phased greenhouse gas rules bear directly on owners' ordering decisions. Because fleets must be replaced in step with the rules, the specification chosen at newbuild determines operating conditions for the next two decades.

Chinese yards have built order books in container ships, car carriers and LNG carriers. Against Korean and Japanese competitors, strengths now diverge by vessel type.

Taixing is one of the shipbuilding and marine equipment clusters on the lower Yangtze. Launching and sailing large hulls requires adequate draft and channel width.

The delivery date and operating line are to be announced separately.