Hapag-Lloyd plans to convert container ship to use LNG

Hapag-Lloyd plans to retrofit its 15,000-TEU ship “Sajir” to operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG). In future, the engine system will be able to function using either of two types of fuel: LNG or low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO).

The contract for the retrofitting was signed with Hudong ZHONGHUA Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd recently. This conversion will be carried out in the Shanghai-based shipyard Huarun Dadong Dockyard Co Ltd.

While in the shipyard, the ship’s fuel system and its existing heavy fuel oil-burning engine will be converted into a dual-fuel engine. Hapag-Lloyd plans to operate the vessel using LNG, but also wants to be able to use LSFO as a backup.

“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,” said Richard von Berlepsch, managing director–Fleet Management at Hapag-Lloyd. “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.”

Using LNG in the shipping industry could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 15% to 30% and sulphur dioxide and particulate matter by more than 90%.

The “Sajir” is one of 17 vessels in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet originally designed to be LNG-ready. Its 16 sister ships are also technically prepared for retrofitting. With the conversion of the “Sajir”, Hapag-Lloyd will be implementing a technological option to reduce the environmental impact of large vessels.

For more information, go to www.hlag.com.