Is the shipping industry finally steering towards a greener horizon?
In a significant stride towards sustainable maritime operations, Maersk has retrofitted the Maersk Halifax, marking it as the industry’s first large container vessel capable of operating on methanol.
The retrofit was executed at China’s Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard over 88 days, concluding in late October 2024. This initiative aligns with Maersk’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The conversion, undertaken by MAN Energy Solutions, involved extensive modifications: replacing engine components to enable methanol use, installing new fuel tanks, a fuel preparation room, and a fuel supply system. Notably, the ship’s length was extended by 15 metres to 368 metres, increasing its capacity from approximately 15,000 to 15,690 TEU.
Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk, stated, “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.”
“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.”
This retrofit represents a pivotal moment in maritime history, demonstrating the feasibility of converting existing vessels to operate on cleaner fuels. As the Maersk Halifax embarks on its Trans-Pacific routes, it sets a precedent for the industry, showcasing that the transition to sustainable shipping is not just a distant aspiration but a present reality.
