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Retrofitting at scale: The first methanol mega ship conversion
['Mariska Buitendijk']
SWZ|Maritime
The world’s first methanol conversion project for a mega container carrier was completed at CHI Shanghai’s yard in September 2025.
‘It was also the first time all of these suppliers had worked together on a methanol retrofit of this scale.
The original plan envisaged fabricating the methanol fuel tank and preparation room as a single integrated block, to be lifted and installed on board.
To accommodate methanol tanks and systems, COSCO Shipping Libra lost 456 TEU, requiring careful reassessment of deployment and network planning.
Early operational experienceSince re‑entering service, COSCO Shipping Libra has demonstrated stable operation on methanol, giving COSCO confidence in the technical solution.