COSCO Heavy Industry Shanghai has formalised a strategic agreement with MAN Energy Solutions for the methanol retrofitting of four main engines on COSCO Line’s Camellia and Virgo-class vessels, boasting capacities of 13,800 and 20,000 TEU respectively.
Currently propelled by single-fuel MAN B&W 11S90ME-C10.5 engines, these vessels are set to transform dual-fuel MAN B&W 11S90ME-LGIM10.5 units, capable of running on either fuel-oil or methanol. This initiative positions these vessels as the pioneers in COSCO’s fleet to navigate the seas powered by methanol.
The contract also encompasses an option for the potential retrofitting of an additional nine vessels belonging to the line’s 20,000 TEU ‘Virgo’ and ‘Pisces’-class.
Under this collaboration, MAN Energy Solutions will deliver a comprehensive solution package, inclusive of engineering expertise, parts supply, project management, onsite technical support at the shipyard, sea-trial assistance, and recertification services for the engine retrofits. In preparation for this milestone project, the company has undertaken an extensive R&D programme and made significant investments in a dedicated testbed to develop the innovative S90-LGIM (Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) retrofit solution.
Anticipated to commence in the second quarter of 2025, the retrofitting process will mark a historic moment as these vessels become the first in the world to sail equipped with S90-LGIM engines.
“It’s very promising to see one of the largest shipping companies globally choosing MAN Energy Solutions as a partner to attain their decarbonisation goals. We are committed to bringing more retrofit solutions to the market and our investment in the S90-LGIM R&D and testbed programme is a fulfilment of this promise to our customers,” stated Michael Petersen, senior vice president and head of PrimeServ Denmark at MAN Energy Solution.
The new order follows on the heels of the recent methanol retrofit order by A.P. Moller–Maersk for the retrofit of the G95 main engines aboard 11 of its container vessels to dual-fuel. More than 300 vessels globally are currently equipped with S90 engines and MAN Energy Solutions expects this new business to kick off a major wave of S90 retrofits.
This latest order comes in the wake of Maersk’s recent request for a methanol retrofit, focusing on the G95 main engines powering 11 of its container vessels, transitioning them to dual-fuel functionality.
