IN DEPTH CONTAINERSHIPS ALT-FUEL INSIGHTS
Practical experience of operating the world’s first containership to be retrofitted to run in dual-fuel methanol mode is proving invaluable to owner/operator AP Moller-Maersk, writes Clive Woodbridge
C
ontainer vessel owner and operator AP Moller- Maersk is committed to achieving net zero by
2040. One of the most important levers anticipated for achieving this ambitious goal is the conversion of existing vessels to run on alternative fuels, including methanol.
In this context, the conversion of the 15,000teu, 350m-long Maersk Halifax represents an important initiative that will play a key role in guiding the way forward; not only for Maersk, but for other container shipping lines that will be monitoring the practical experience of this project with considerable interest, no doubt.
The retrofit operation was conducted at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China over the course of 88 days and completed at the end of October 2024. One of the most complex engineering aspects involved cutting the vessel into two sections to insert a new hull segment. This newly added section houses the methanol fuel tanks, fuel-handling and advanced safety systems.
Another major undertaking was converting the main engine to run on methanol. In addition to replacing
key components, the project team integrated an entirely new system to manage the fuel combustion. The engine’s control and safety systems were also upgraded to the latest industry standards.
Additional capacity Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology at Maersk, reflects: “Converting the engine to run on methanol was of course a significant achievement, but the most complex part was cutting the vessel in two and inserting the new segment. It was critical to have perfect alignment for the structural members, and the piping, and ensure the vessel was able to be fit back together.”
As well as the ability to run on methanol, there were other benefits from the conversion. For example, as a result of the elongation of the vessel, Maersk gained a small amount of cargo- carrying capacity on top of the methanol and fuel supply systems.
Maersk’s plan is to undertake further dual-fuel retrofits on other vessels of similar size, but the precise timescale has not yet been determined. Jakobsen says: “Currently, we are gathering valuable insights from this pilot project. These learnings will play a pivotal role in shaping the retrofit strategy for the remaining sister vessels as we expect this methanol retrofitting technology to be an important part of transitioning parts of the fleet from fossil to low-emission fuels.”
The experience of operating the retrofitted vessel since its redelivery in November 2024 has been generally positive, Maersk reports. “The
Maersk Halifax, pictured during its conversion in China last year, has now been operating using methanol and conventional fuels for nearly a year (image: Everllence)
24 THE NAVAL ARCHITECT
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