Maersk Halifax has become the first large containership to be converted into a dual-fuel vessel able to operate on methanol, following a 88-day retrofit operation at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China.
In addition to the engine conversion, which was performed by MAN Energy Solutions, the retrofit operation has involved adding new fuel tanks, a fuel preparation room and fuel supply system, Maersk said in a statement published today (18 November).
The hull was expanded to accommodate the fuel tanks, thereby extending the ship’s length by 15 metres to 368 metres and increasing its capacity from 15,000 to 15,690 TEU.
‘Since we set the ambitious climate goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040, we have explored the potential in retrofitting existing vessels with dual-fuel engines,’ said Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk. ‘In the coming year, we will take learnings from this first conversion of a large vessel.’
‘Retrofits of existing vessels can be an important alternative to newbuilds in our transition from fossil fuels to low-emission fuels,’ Sonzio added.
Maersk Halifax has departed anchorage at the yard on 4 November and has now returned to operations on the Trans-Pacific trade following the completion of sea trials.
It is one of 11 vessels in Maersk’s Hong Kong-class.
Image: Maersk
