A groundbreaking 14,000 TEU Maersk Halifax methanol dual-fuel conversion project commenced at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard Co in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province on March 8.

This marks the world's first methanol dual-fuel conversion project for a container ship, signifying Zhoushan's remarkable progress in the green ship repair sector.

Wang Yuanbo, quality manager of Xinya Shipyard, highlighted the key aspects of this conversion project, which include lengthening the ship, adding new container slots, and converting the main engines to dual-fuel capability. The entire conversion process is projected to span three months.

Following the conversion, the Maersk Halifax will transform into a methanol dual-fuel-powered vessel, capable of utilizing both methanol and diesel fuel. It will also become the world's first operational vessel to use methanol dual-fuel subsequent to its conversion.

This transition away from traditional heavy fuel oil is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions during the ship's journey by approximately 70 percent and achieve zero emissions of sulfur compounds.

Xia Songkang, general manager of Xinya Shipyard, emphasized the pivotal role of methanol dual-fuel conversion in the current global shipping landscape, citing its potential to drive a critical shift from conventional fuels to low-carbon alternatives.