COSCO Signs Up for First Methanol Retrofits

COSCO Heavy Industry Shanghai Co. has entered into a contract with MAN Energy Solutions for the retrofit of four COSCO Line containerships to dual-fuel methanol engines. The vessels, with capacities of 13,800 and 20,000 TEUs, currently operate on single-fuel MAN B&W 11S90ME-C10.5 engines, but will be retrofitted to dual-fuel MAN B&W 11S90ME-LGIM10.5 units capable of running on fuel oil or methanol. The retrofits will make them the first vessels in COSCO’s fleet to operate on methanol. The contract also includes an option for an additional nine vessels from COSCO’s 20,000 TEU “Virgo” and “Pisces” class. COSCO Heavy Industry Shanghai Co. Ltd. will act as a complete turnkey solution provider for the COSCO Line retrofits. The retrofitting of the first vessel is scheduled for Q2 2025.