In a landmark achievement for maritime decarbonization, MAN Energy Solutions has successfully retrofitted the Maersk Halifax, a 15,000 TEU Very Large Container Vessel (VLCV), with a dual-fuel MAN B&W ME-LGIM engine capable of operating on green methanol. This retrofit, carried out by MAN PrimeServ, the company’s after-sales division, is the first of its kind globally for a VLCV and represents a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.
From Diesel to Dual-Fuel
The Maersk Halifax, originally equipped with an MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 engine upon entering service in 2017, has been upgraded to an 8G95ME-LGIM Mk10.5 engine. This transformation enables the vessel to switch seamlessly between traditional fuels and methanol fuel, a clean alternative capable of reducing CO2 emissions by 90%. Alongside the engine modification, the vessel’s control systems were updated to MAN Energy Solutions’ latest Triton platform, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
The retrofitted vessel has already completed rigorous sea trials and has resumed its role in Maersk’s Trans-Pacific trade route, showcasing the viability of methanol-powered operations in real-world conditions.
Blueprint for Future Retrofits
Leonardo Sonzio, Maersk’s Head of Fleet Management and Technology, emphasized the broader implications of the project, stating “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. Retrofits of existing vessels can be an important alternative to newbuilds in our transition from fossil fuels to low-emission fuels.”
Maersk has already preordered retrofits for an additional 10 vessels, signaling the company’s commitment to accelerating its transition to low-emission fuels through scalable solutions.
Michael Petersen, Senior Vice President and Head of PrimeServ Denmark, highlighted retrofitting as a cornerstone of MAN Energy Solutions’ “Moving Big Things to Zero” strategy. “Retrofitted engines can switch between fuels with minimal disruption, a flexibility crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and reliability. At PrimeServ, we estimate that more than 4,000 existing marine engines have the potential to be converted to operate on green fuels like e-methanol and e-methane,” Petersen noted.
Sarath Prasannan, Senior Vice President and Head of Region Asia Pacific, echoed these sentiments at an event marking the retrofit’s conclusion in Zhoushan, China, underscoring the pivotal role of retrofitting in the industry’s decarbonization journey. He added, “We hope that China’s policies and infrastructure will continue to foster an environment where shipyards can carry forward this commendable work.”
Bunkering Implications
The Maersk Halifax retrofit underscores the growing importance of alternative fuels like methanol in global bunkering operations. As more vessels transition to methanol, the bunkering sector must adapt with dedicated infrastructure and supply chains. The retrofit also highlights the maritime industry’s evolving needs, creating opportunities for bunker suppliers to diversify their portfolios with clean fuel solutions.
This achievement represents a major milestone for Maersk, MAN Energy Solutions, and the shipping industry, setting a precedent for widespread adoption of methanol as a viable, scalable solution for reducing maritime emissions. For the bunkering sector, it signals a paradigm shift toward cleaner fuels, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the road ahead.
About Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk, a global logistics leader, operates in over 130 countries and employs approximately 100,000 people. As part of its mission to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, Maersk is leveraging new technologies, alternative fuels, and retrofitted vessels to drive sustainability across its supply chains.
About MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES)
MAN Energy Solutions is at the forefront of enabling customers to achieve sustainable value creation as the world transitions towards a carbon-neutral future. The company addresses tomorrow’s challenges across the marine, energy, and industrial sectors by enhancing efficiency and performance at a systemic level. With over 250 years of experience in advanced engineering, MAN Energy Solutions boasts a unique portfolio of cutting-edge technologies tailored to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Headquartered in Germany, MAN Energy Solutions employs approximately 14,000 people across more than 120 locations worldwide. This extensive network allows the company to deliver innovative solutions and support to its customers, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
MAN Energy Solutions is not only committed to pioneering sustainable technologies but also prioritizes exceptional customer service through its after-sales brand, MAN PrimeServ. This brand offers a vast network of service centers globally, ensuring that clients have access to expert support and resources whenever needed. By integrating advanced engineering capabilities with a customer-centric approach, MAN Energy Solutions is leading the way toward a more sustainable future for the marine and energy industries.
Source MAN Energy Solutions