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Hapag-Lloyd converting one LNG-ready containership, and fitting scrubbers to two

Hapag-Lloyd converting one LNG-ready containership, and fitting scrubbers to two
Hapag-Lloyd is to convert one of the LNG-ready containerships it acquired in the UASC merger, and fit scrubbers on two vessels as it analyses options apart from low sulphur fuel for complying with the IMO's 2020 sulphur cap.

Joining many other container lines in announcing a fuel recovery charge for the additional expense of using compliant fuel to meet the demands of the 0.5% low sulphur cap for marine fuel from 1 January 2020 Hapag-Lloyd is also taking its first step in potentially using LNG as a marine fuel.

“Furthermore, Hapag-Lloyd is thoroughly analysing other technological options for the reduction of emissions that might be able to cover a small share of a fleet. This is why trials with a LNG conversion of one ship as well as Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) on two others will be conducted in the year 2019,” the company said in a statement.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 2020 Sulphur Cap: Is the industry ready for the long-run?

Hapag-Lloyd acquired a total of 17 LNG-ready containerships when it merged with UASC. The 15,000 teu and 18,800 teu vessels delivered between 2014 and 2016 were seen at the time as acting as a catalyst for the use of LNG as marine fuel, with the Middle East based line exploring LNG fueling options with Qatar and Shell.

Read more: UASC positions for the future with delivery of 15,000 teu LNG-ready boxship

However, with the takeover of by Hapag-Lloyd there had been, until now, no movement on converting any of the 17 vessels to run on LNG. In the meantime CMA CGM has become the standard bearer for LNG as a marine fuel in the container sector ordering nine 22,000 teu LNG-powered newbuildings.

With just one LNG-powered vessel and two fitted with scrubbers Hapag-Lloyd is set to primarily comply with the sulphur cap for its fleet of 226 containerships through the use of low sulphur fuels.