Hapag-Lloyd will convert its 15,000 TEU vessel Sajir to be capable of operating using liquefied natural gas.

According to the shipping line, the conversion will be carried out by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. at the Huarun Dadong Dockyard in Shanghai.

During its time in the shipyard, the ship’s fuel system and its existing heavy fuel oil-burning engine will be converted into a dual-fuel engine which will be able to function using either LNG or low-sulphur fuel oil. The use of low-sulphur fuel oil is planned as a backup.

“By converting the Sajir, we will be the first shipping company in the world to retrofit a container ship of this size to LNG propulsion,” said Richard von Berlepsch, managing director of fleet management at Hapag-Lloyd. “By carrying out this unprecedented pilot, we hope to learn for the future and to pave the way for large ships to be retrofitted to use this alternative fuel.”

The use of LNG in shipping could reduce CO2 emissions by 15-30% and sulphur dioxide and particulate matter by more than 90%.

Hapag-Lloyd has also technically prepared 16 other sister ships for the retrofitting process.