Hapag-Lloyd has announced it will become the first shipping liner to convert a large container ship to liquefied natural gas (LNG) in an unprecedented eco-friendly pilot, according to a statement.
The ocean carrier has said it will retrofit the 15,000 TEU ‘Sajir’ vessel with a dual fuel engine so that it will be able to function on either LNG or low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO).
It will be converted at the Shanghai-based shipyard Huarun Dadong Dockyard after the contract for was signed at the end of last week with Hudong HONDHOA Shipbuilding (Group) co. LTD.
A recent Port Technology technical paper looked at what the maritime industry is doing to prepare for a green and sustainable future
The ‘Sajir’ is part of a fleet of 17 vessels that Hapag-Lloyd says will be entirely run on LNG. Its 16 sister ships are also ready for retrofitting and the company says it will carry out a “technological option” to reduce the environmental impact of large vessels.
In a statement, Richard von Berlepsch, Managing Director Fleet Management, Hapag-Lloyd, said: “By converting the ‘Sajir’, we will be the first shipping company in the world to retrofit a container ship of this size to LNG propulsion.
“By carrying out this unprecedented pilot, we hope to learn for the future and to pave the way for large ships to be retrofitted to use this alternative fuel.”
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