MAN Energy Solutions has successfully completed what the company claims to be the world’s first methanol retrofit on a very large container vessel (VLCV), the Maersk Halifax.
The retrofit, executed by MAN PrimeServ, has transformed the vessel’s main engine into a dual-fuel MAN B&W ME-LGIM unit.
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Launched in 2017, the 15,000 TEU vessel was initially equipped with MAN’s B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 engine.
The conversion to an 8G95ME-LGIM Mk10.5 engine now allows the ship to run on green methanol, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
As part of the retrofit, the vessel also received an upgraded engine-control system, transitioning to MAN Energy’s latest Triton system.
Post-retrofit sea trials have been successful, and the vessel has rejoined A.P. Moller-Maersk’s trans-Pacific route, according to the company.
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By GlobalDataMAN Energy Solutions Asia Pacific region vice president and senior vice president Sarath Prasannan said: “This groundbreaking project marks a pivotal moment in the shipping industry’s journey towards decarbonisation.
“We hope that China’s policies and infrastructure will continue to foster an environment where shipyards can carry forward this commendable work.”
The successful retrofit of ‘Maersk Halifax’ is anticipated to act as a template for future projects.
In line with this, Maersk has already placed a preorder with MAN PrimeServ to convert ten more vessels from its fleet to operate on methanol.
Maersk fleet management and technology head Leonardo Sonzio said: “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.
“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.”
In 2023, MAN Energy Solutions signed an agreement with Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd to retrofit 15 vessels, converting conventional engines to run on methanol.
