Maersk has signed a deal with Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding, to implement the world’s first containership methanol dual-fuel conversion project.
The deal was inked during a special ceremony held on October 18, 2023. According to Zhoushan Xinya Shipbuilding’s statement, the conversion to a dual-fuel methanol propulsion is scheduled for 2024 and Maersk is planning to expand the retrofit project on a number of sister vessels.
The agreement was signed on behalf of both sides by Shenzhen Managing Director, Shasson Cohn, and the Head of Ocean Asset Partnerships, Maersk Procurement, Brian Voldsgaard.
To remind, Maersk had announced the retrofit plans for an existing containership in June. Furthermore, Maersk has also contracted German MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) to supply the engine.
Apart from being the first company to retrofit an existing container ship to run on methanol, Maersk was also the first company in the world to receive a new container ship able of running on methanol.
