On October 18th, the signing ceremony of the world’s first methanol dual-fuel conversion project for container ships was held in Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard. Xinya Shipyard and Maersk Group have joined together to provide innovative ideas for the green transformation of the shipping industry through the methanol dual-fuel conversion project for container ships using traditional fuels.
In this conversion project, Xinya Shipyard will convert a Singaporean 14,000 TEU container ship named “MAERSK HALIFAX” for Maersk Group to become a methanol dual-fuel-powered ship, sailing on green methanol fuel, which is the first time such engine conversion is carried out in the industry. It is reported that the planned construction period of the vessel is expected to be 3 months.
What is noteworthy is that the “MAERSK HALIFAX” will be the world’s first operational ship to be retrofitted to use methanol as duel fuel.
The project aligns with Maersk’s 2040 net-zero emissions target and charts the path toward a sustainable future, embodying the vision of eco-friendly shipping.
The conversion project is the latest milestone in Maersk’s strategy of adoption of methanol as part of its decarbonization efforts.
Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard Co., Ltd. was founded in August 2002 and is currently the largest private corporation in the ship repairing industry in China, owning three production bases. Xinya Shipyard is located at Donglangzu, Liuheng Town, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. The total investment is reaching RMB 3.2 billion, covering an area of over 950,000 m2 in all and a construction area of about 230,000 m2, and around 3,600 m of deep water coastline with 10 berths and 4 docks. At present, there are over 1,350 employees and more than 3,000 subcontractor workers in Xinya.