Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan Retrofit Container Ships for Methanol Fuel

indiashippingnews.com

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan have completed the first of five methanol retrofits for 10,100 TEU container vessels. The project converts conventional MAN S90 engines to dual-fuel systems, allowing ships to run on low-carbon methanol to reduce emissions. The five-ship program requires an estimated investment of 120 million USD. Each converted vessel can cut CO2e emissions by 30,000 to 50,000 metric tons per year, extending the life of existing assets while transitioning the fleet toward a 2045 decarbonization goal.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Hapag-Lloyd is putting money into retrofits instead of just newbuilds. The Seaspan Yangtze is the first of five. It is a decent move to keep existing hulls useful while switching fuels.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

120 million for five ships puts the cost at roughly 24 million per retrofit. I wonder how that compares to the cost of a new dual-fuel build when you factor in the remaining life of these 10,100 TEU ships.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The real question is the methanol source. If they use grey methanol, the carbon gains are minimal. These emissions cuts only matter if the supply chain for green methanol actually scales to meet this demand.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. Green methanol needs massive amounts of renewable electricity and captured CO2. I do not see the infrastructure for that volume of fuel ready at the ports yet. Where is the fuel coming from?