Chinese shipyard Zhoushan Xinya to convert Maersk’s first containership to using methanol as fuel

Maersk Halifax is part of the 11-ship fleet to be converted in a joint project between Maersk and engine maker MAN

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19 October (Lloyd's List) - ZHOUSHAN Xinya Shipyard in China has won the bid to convert a Maersk boxship to a methanol-powered vessel, with the three-month project set to begin in June next year.

The 15,226 teu Maersk Halifax, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2017, will become the world’s first containership to undergo such a retrofit, the Chinese shipyard, located in east China’s Zhejiang Province, said in a statement.

Maersk head of procurement Brian Voldsgaard said the deal with the repair yard will further propel the Danish giant towards achieving its goal of net zero emissions by 2040.

Teamed up with engine designer MAN Energy Solutions, the container line launched its pioneering fuel switch plan to retrofit 11 ships in its existing fleet with methanol-fuel propulsion systems.

Alongside modifications to the main engine fuel injection system, the conversion also includes new fuel tanks and the addition of a methanol fuel preparation room.

As a leading investor in cleaner vessel and fuel technologies, Maersk took delivery of the world’s first methanol-powered containership Laura Maersk in September.

The Danish company is committed to ordering only newbuildings that can sail on clean fuels. It has 24 additional methanol-fuel vessels on order for delivery between 2024 and 2027.