A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has chosen Alfa Laval’s FCM Methanol fuel supply system for its pioneering methanol conversion project, which will allow the containership Maersk Halifax to run on methanol fuel.
Alfa Laval will assist Maersk in installing the FCM Methanol low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) aboard the 15,000 TEU Maersk Halifax.
The upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2024. This container vessel upgrade will allow the vessel to sail on green methanol while also having dual-fuel capability.
READ: Port of Felixstowe welcomes Maersk’s methanol-powered vessel
Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval, said: “At Alfa Laval, we collaborate with the industry frontrunners in exploring and embracing innovative ways for decarbonisation.
“The project with Maersk gives us a unique opportunity to take up a new challenge – retrofitting our equipment for methanol use, for the first time. We are immensely proud to extend our expertise to this innovative retrofit project.”
According to Alfa Laval, the project will involve adding a new fuel line for methanol alongside the traditional fuel line, respecting the existing space constraints and the tight time schedule.
READ: Maersk, Goldwind pen green methanol offtake agreement
Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, Maersk, stated: “We have set an ambitious net-zero emissions target for 2040, and retrofitting of engines on our vessels to run on methanol is an important nut in our strategy.
“Retrofitting solutions to accommodate new fuel thereby enabling the engine to operate on methanol is a complex task that requires expertise, and we are happy to have Alfa Laval on board on this project.”
This month, Maersk announced its plan to launch the first of its 18 large methanol-enabled vessels currently on order.