Maersk completes first large container vessel conversion to dual-fuel methanol engine

The container ship Maersk Halifax has become the first large vessel in the industry to be converted into a dual-fuel ship capable of operating on methanol. The retrofit was carried out over 88 days at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China, with the operation completing at the end of October 2024.

"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."

- Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk

The engine conversion of the Maersk Halifax was carried out by MAN Energy Solutions. In addition to replacing key engine components to enable methanol operation, the retrofit involved installing new fuel tanks, a fuel preparation room, and a fuel supply system. The ship's hull was also extended by 15 meters to accommodate the additional fuel tanks, bringing the total length of the vessel to 368 meters. As a result, its capacity increased from approximately 15,000 to 15,690 TEU.

"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."

- Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk

Maersk Halifax, which is one of 11 vessels in Maersk’s Hong Kong-class, departed anchorage at the yard on 4 November 2024.