Press Release | Retrofit Project Prepares Kamsarmax Bulk Carrier for Methanol – A Milestone in Green Shipping
Copenhagen, Denmark – The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping announces an Approval in Principle (AiP) potential for retrofitting conventionally fueled Kamsarmax bulk carrier to dual fuel methanol. Led in collaboration with Japanese shipbuilder TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd., the project aimed to assess the techno-economic feasibility of a retrofit from fuel oil to Dual fuel methanol, establishing a model that could pave the way for a broader green transition within the medium size bulk carrier sector. With Kamsarmax bulk carriers representing a significant share of the existing fleet, developing a general retrofit package could drive low-emission solutions across the maritime industry. Additionally, the project shades light onto the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed when deciding to retrofit a bulk carrier.
Strong Collaboration Brings Forward Innovative Solutions
The retrofit project, based on Tsuneishi’s Kamsarmax standard design, explores the technical and operational challenges and opportunities of converting vessels to dual fuel methanol. The retrofit design and technological solutions were developed in close cooperation with MAN ES, which provided main engine and FuelTech expertise on design reviews and HAZID processes (Hazard Identification). ClassNK contributed regulatory advice, facilitated safety risk assessments, and granted an Approval in Principle (AiP). Cargill offered operational and technical insights bringing in the charterer’s perspective while the Danish Maritime Administration participated as an observer, providing valuable perspectives during the risk assessments. ClassNK's AiP process involves a comprehensive safety assessment that demonstrates methanol’s safe use as a fuel on par with conventional fuels.
“The Approval in Principle for the retrofit bulk carrier project marks a significant milestone in decarbonizing the maritime industry. It demonstrates a paradigm shift towards non-intrusive, safe, and agile solutions that enable the integration of green fuels without compromising safety. With the medium-sized bulk carrier segment representing a substantial share of the industry, this modular retrofit solution paves the way for an accelerated transition to methanol and other sustainable fuels. This AiP is a testament to the collaboration currently taking place, and we are proud to have achieved this milestone together with our partners”, says Evangelos Fragkoulis, Head of Ship Design, Fonden Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
Results and Future Guidelines for retrofits to methanol
The retrofit project has generated multiple design solutions, including novel and modular fuel handling onboard, as well as methanol storage and integration options that optimize safety, capacity and ultimately reduce cost and conversion lead times. The results will be published in a comprehensive case study. Additionally, the project has developed general design principles for methanol retrofit aimed at ship designers, shipyards and operators, providing a navigational framework through key design decisions. The two publications will be launched later this year.
This project marks a significant milestone towards a sustainable future in shipping, illustrating how technological innovation can accelerate the transition of existing fleets to green fuels.
Project participants
The project is co-lead by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. The detailed design and feasibility have been performed by TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. The core team entailed MAN, who supported during the design reviews, HAZID and fuel system design, ClassNK that supported with regulatory advice and facilitation of the HAZID along with issuing the AiP. Also, Cargill were part of the core team offering operational and technical knowledge. DMA has participated in observer capacity offering insights.
Quotes from project members
Takanori Nishijima, General Manager of Design Division, Managing Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.: “While environmental issues have been drawing increasing attention, our company has started to build new methanol-fuelled vessels in 2024 and are entering into full-scale continuous construction. On the other hand, as vessels are generally used for a long period of time, typically 20-30 years, we need to make further efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The fact that we were able to obtain an AiP in this project for the retrofit design of a dual-fuel methanol-fuelled vessel, which envisages retrofitting of existing fuel oil-fueled vessels, will promote the conversion to methanol fuel in the future and contribute to environmental measures of the shipping industry. As a mission ambassador of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, we will continue to lead the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industries as an environmentally friendly company by introducing new technologies and strengthening collaboration between participating partners through our work at the Centre.”
Chris Hughes, Decarbonization Specialist, Cargill: “As an industry, we need to be open to assessing the feasibility of all options on the table to decarbonize the dry bulk fleet. Gaining AiP from ClassNK for this retrofit solution is an important step towards understanding the overall viability of retrofitting modern Kamsarmax designs for methanol dual fuel.”
Martin Skytte, Sales Manager – DF Retrofit Bulker and Tank, MAN Energy Solutions: “Participating in the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping-sponsored Kamsarmax bulk carrier for methanol project has fueled valuable discussions and deep industry knowledge sharing from very knowledgeable people in the shipping industry. This report will provide valuable insights for the shipping industry to make informed decisions regarding dual-fuel upgrading of the existing fleet in the future.”
Masaki Matsunaga, Executive Vice President / Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK: “We are truly delighted and honored to be involved in such an outstanding project as a classification society. Achieving zero emissions across the entire fleet is essential for decarbonizing the shipping industry, and the conversion of existing vessels to alternative fuels, as demonstrated by this project, plays a crucial role in that transition. Through our “ClassNK Transition Support Service”, we will continue to offer comprehensive support to facilitate the decarbonization of the industry."
About Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) is an independent, not-for-profit research and development center established in 2020 with funding from the A.P. Moller Foundation.
Our purpose is to guide and accelerate decarbonization of the global maritime industry. This complex challenge requires unprecedented collaboration across sectors, industries, and geographies.
Working with our partners, governments, authorities, public sector bodies, scientists, and organizations across the global maritime industry we mature solutions to the most pressing problems across the maritime value chain, from fuels to onboard solutions, regulations, and financing.
For more information, please visit www.zerocarbonshipping.com
Media Contacts
Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
Roberto Lago Mortensen
Communications Partner
roberto.mortensen@zerocarbonshipping.com
+45 31 26 78 99