The large container ship Maersk Halifax undergoes a methanol dual-fuel conversion in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhoushan Asia Pacific Dockyard Co held a delivery ceremony for the Singapore-flagged container ship Maersk Halifax on Xiazhi Island, Putuo district, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, on Oct 29.

After 236 days of work, this marks the completion of the methanol dual-fuel conversion for the world's first 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit container ship. The vessel will soon undergo sea trials with methanol refueling to test the feasibility and reliability of methanol as a fuel.

The Maersk Halifax measures 367.6 meters long and 53.5 meters wide. The conversion project involved retrofitting the main engine, installing methanol tank sections, and lengthening the overall ship. The vessel is now capable of operating on both diesel and methanol fuels after the conversion.

As Maersk's first global container ship to undergo this dual-fuel conversion, this project not only supports Maersk's 2040 net-zero emissions goal but also shows Asia Pacific Dockyard's technical expertise in green retrofitting.

Zhoushan maritime department coordinated with Asia Pacific Dockyard and the ship's agent, ensuring the vessel's safe arrival. During the conversion, they also issued weather alerts to the ship's crew and classification society to ensure smooth and orderly progress.

This year, Putuo has been promoting the development of shipbuilding and marine engineering. By the end of September, its output of ship repair increased by 24.4 percent, and 35.6 percent for manufacturing.