[100219.EN.SEA] Hapag-Lloyd to Make History Converting 15,000 TEU Vessel To LNG

GERMAN shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd announced in a statement that it will become the first shipping liner to convert a large container ship to liquefied natural gas (LNG) in an unprecedented eco-friendly pilot.

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).

The conversion will be carried out at the Shanghai-based shipyard Huarun Dadong Dockyard after the contract for the project was signed at the end of last week with Hudong HONDHOA Shipbuilding (Group) Co, Ltd.

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, reports London's Port Technology.

Managing director Fleet Management, Hapag-Lloyd, Richard von Berlepsch, 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."

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

Source : HKSG / Photo : ShipSpotting.