Alfa Laval to provide the fuel supply system to Maersk in industry’s first methanol retrofit project for a container vessel

Alfa Laval fuel supply system FCM Methanol has been selected by Maersk for their pioneering methanol retrofit project to enable the container vessel Maersk Halifax to operate on methanol fuel. This project stands as a significant achievement for both Alfa Laval and Maersk, underscoring the feasibility of retrofitting ships with the necessary equipment for methanol-based propulsion.

Redefining the methanol journey with the industry frontrunner

Alfa Laval continues to drive the marine industry's fuel transition with its methanol solutions, knowledge, and experience. The company has expanded its methanol-related expertise to offer solutions that suit the unique requirements of both new and existing vessels.

Alfa Laval will support A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) with installation of FCM Methanol low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS) on board the 15,000 TEU Maersk Halifax. The retrofit is scheduled by mid-2024. This pioneering container vessel conversion will enable the vessel to sail on green methanol with dual-fuel capabilities.

“At Alfa Laval, we collaborate with the industry frontrunners in exploring and embracing innovative ways for decarbonization,” says Viktor Friberg, Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval. “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.”

 

Landmark retrofit project involving advanced engineering

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. The retrofit of the FCM Methanol is a landmark project that requires advanced engineering and understanding of the practical considerations of working with methanol.

Alfa Laval’s dedication to technology research and product development, as well as its experience in both project execution and vessels in operation (> 450k hours), has prepared the company to take on challenges to equip both existing and new vessels with methanol solutions over time. The system can be designed to meet the specific requirements ensuring optimized performance and environmental efficiency.

“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,” says Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, A.P. Moller-Maersk.  

 

Longest experience with methanol 

Sailing with green methanol fuel is a sustainable option to reduce emissions, but it requires a fuel supply system that can handle the fuel safely and effectively. With over 80 ships contracted, Alfa Laval has the longest experience in methanol FSS installation and service since 2015. It is the only system that has been powering methanol-fuelled vessels so far, with over 450 000 hours of operations and unmatched expertise.

Alfa Laval's commitment towards delivering high-quality equipment and reliable services has made FCM Methanol the preferred choice for driving the transition to methanol as a marine fuel.

 

To learn more about the Alfa Laval methanol solutions, please visit: Marine equipment and solutions for methanol as fuel | Alfa Laval

Explore Alfa Laval’s sustainable solutions & technologies: Sustainable shipping solutions and technologies | Alfa Laval

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Viktor Friberg

Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems

Alfa Laval Marine Division

Phone: + 46 709 64 35 32

E-mail: viktor.friberg@alfalaval.com

 

Helena Sannicolo

Vice President Marketing Communications

Alfa Laval Marine Division

Phone: +46 70 569 3806

E-mail: helena.sannicolo@alfalaval.com

 

Editor’s notes

This is Alfa Laval

Alfa Laval is a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, and is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets.

Alfa Laval’s innovative technologies are dedicated to purifying, refining, and reusing materials, promoting more responsible use of natural resources. They contribute to improved energy efficiency and heat recovery, better water treatment, and reduced emissions. Thereby, Alfa Laval is not only accelerating success for its customers but also for people and the planet. Making the world better, every day.

Alfa Laval has 20,300 employees. Annual sales in 2022 were SEK 52.1 billion (approx. EUR 4.9 billion). The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

https://www.alfalaval.com/