A.P. Moller – Maersk has achieved a significant industry milestone by completing the first large container vessel conversion to a dual-fuel methanol engine. The retrofit of the Maersk Halifax was conducted at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China over an 88-day period, concluding at the end of October 2024. The vessel has now returned to service, marking a crucial step in Maersk’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Successful Retrofit for Maersk Halifax
The Maersk Halifax conversion project marks the first time a large container vessel has been retrofitted to operate on methanol as an alternative fuel. Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement:
“We are happy to announce that Maersk Halifax successfully has been retrofitted into a dual-fuel methanol vessel. Following the completion of the sea-trials, Maersk Halifax has returned to operation and is now servicing our customers on the Trans-Pacific trade.”
Comprehensive Engine Conversion by MAN Energy Solutions
The dual-fuel conversion, carried out by MAN Energy Solutions, involved extensive modifications. The process included replacing key engine components to enable methanol compatibility, as well as significant structural enhancements to the vessel. The retrofit operation added new fuel tanks, a fuel preparation room, and a fuel supply system. As part of the upgrade, the hull was expanded to accommodate the additional methanol storage, extending the vessel’s length by 15 meters to 368 meters. This expansion has increased the Maersk Halifax‘s capacity from approximately 15,000 TEU to 15,690 TEU.
Advancing Towards Net Zero Emissions
This conversion aligns with Maersk’s broader decarbonization strategy, which aims to reach net zero emissions by 2040. The retrofit of the Maersk Halifax demonstrates the potential of upgrading existing vessels as part of the transition to low-emission fuels.
Leonardo Sonzio commented on the strategic importance of the retrofit “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.”
Return to Service and Future Outlook
Following the completion of the retrofit, the Maersk Halifax departed from anchorage at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard on November 4, 2024, and has rejoined Maersk’s Hong Kong-class fleet, which comprises 11 vessels. The ship is now operating on the Trans-Pacific trade route, offering Maersk’s customers a more sustainable shipping option.
About Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk is a leading integrated logistics company focused on connecting and simplifying its customers’ supply chains. With a global presence in over 130 countries and a workforce of around 100,000, Maersk is pioneering the logistics industry’s transition toward net-zero emissions, with a target of achieving this goal by 2040 across its entire operations. Maersk’s ECO Delivery solutions underscore the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability.
Source Maersk