Retrofit

LR report: Lack of yard capacity and capability could compromise marine retrofit ambitions

LR’s new Engine Retrofit Report highlights a shortage of repair yards with experience in conversions may hinder the take up of alternative bunker fuel technology by existing fleet.

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2023

Admin

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (10 October) said its report on the state of technology, integration and compliance, alongside the business case for retrofitting vessels, has found that repair yard capability and capacity concerns could thwart the uptake of alternative marine fuel technology onboard existing ships.

The Engine Retrofit Report, has identified that retrofitting a significant number of the 9,000 and 12,900 large merchant vessels estimated to be part of the global fleet in 2030, could rapidly accelerate the maritime energy transition. However, it warns that these ambitions could be jeopardised by the limited number of repair yards currently capable of performing such conversions.

Key factors influencing the size of the market and the timing of retrofits, include the date by which shipping begins building only zero-emission vessels, as well as the age at which owners or operators decide to retrofit their vessels and the suitable engine types and bore sizes.

The study, which analyses the state of engine retrofit demand, capacity, and uptake, also points to the new skills in naval architecture, electrical engineering, and fuel handling which will be required if the industry is to use retrofitting as an effective tool to accelerate decarbonisation.

One of the key challenges with retrofits identified in the report is system integration, with significant issues such as accommodation for larger fuel tanks, space for fuel preparation equipment and ensuring safety measures are in place, all providing obstacles to rapidly retrofitting the existing fossil fuel fleet.

Techno-economic modelling data revealed in the study shows that the use of renewable methanol or ammonia would significantly increase fuel costs, in some cases more than doubling for vessels in all segments, however, a low-cost scenario, where alternative fuels decrease in price and carbon pricing rises, could tip the balance in favour of alternative fuels.

The study also highlights the importance of human factor considerations, underlining how the critical aspect of impact on crew members can often be overlooked during retrofitting. Assessing ergonomics, roles and responsibilities, competency and training, procedures processes, and occupational health will play a crucial role in ensuring retrofitting is safe and effective for ship operators.

The report includes updates on the latest technology from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) including Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions and WinGD.

Claudene Sharpe-Patel, Lloyd’s Register Technology Director, said: “Decarbonising the existing fleet is crucial for reducing the maritime industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. Without significant progress in this area, there could be as many as 20,000 commercial vessels relying on fossil fuels by 2050. We must, therefore, focus industry efforts on addressing the issues that LR’s Engine Retrofit Report raises such as yard capacity, conversion capability and system integration, helping stakeholders from the maritime value chain navigate the obstacles to installing future fuels technology on the existing global fleet.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 11 October, 2023

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Decarbonisation

SMW 2025: PIL and ABS to partner on maritime operations and decarbonisation technologies

As part of a MoU, ABS Technology and Singapore Innovation Research Center will provide modeling and simulation to support PIL’s new vessel constructions and existing vessel retrofits.

Published

2 months ago

March 26, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: PIL and ABS to partner on maritime operations and decarbonisation technologies

Singapore-based container operator Pacific International Lines (PIL) on Tuesday (25 March) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with classification society ABS at Singapore Maritime Week that establishes a framework to collaborate on projects related to maritime technology, sustainability and safety management systems.

As part of the overall strategic partnership, the MoU allows PIL and ABS to exchange technical knowledge and jointly explore innovative maritime technologies. The ABS Technology and Singapore Innovation Research Center will provide modeling and simulation to support PIL’s new vessel constructions and existing vessel retrofits.

ABS Sustainability specialists will work with PIL to develop an energy-efficiency strategy including techno-economic studies, and the implementation of practical decarbonisation measures that enhance environmental performance.

Safety is another key focus area of the agreement, with ABS providing guidance for Port State Control improvement and aligning safety standards with global best practices.

Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said: “We look forward to capitalising on our unique strengths and capabilities in maritime compliance and cutting-edge technologies to advance safety, emissions reduction and operational efficiency.”

Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, said, “This MoU reinforces our commitment and supports our plans to future-proof our fleet. Partnering with ABS allows us to leverage world-class expertise to drive innovation, advance decarbonisation, and enhance safety management.”

“This long-term collaboration is a testament to our dedication to driving progress, ensuring that we stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining operational excellence and environmental responsibility.”

The MoU will enable PIL to advance the resilience and competitiveness of its fleet by exploring innovative solutions, fostering technical knowledge exchange, and assessing emerging maritime and decarbonisation technologies. PIL has recently taken delivery of four new LNG dual-fuel container vessels and has another 14 on order that can benefit from this partnership.

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 26 March, 2025

Methanol

DNV awards AiP to Cummins for methanol-ready QSK60 marine engines

Cummins’ AiP is for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III marine engines, available in power ratings from 2000 to 2700 hp and with that, it plans to launch retrofit kits for the QSK60 post-2028.

Published

3 months ago

March 7, 2025

Admin

DNV awards Cummins AiP for methanol-ready QSK60 marine engines

Cummins on Thursday (6 March) said it has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III marine engines.

The engines are available in power ratings from 2000 to 2700 hp (1491 – 2013 kW).

The company said the approval, granted in June 2024, validated Cummins’ retrofittable methanol dual-fuel solution for the global marine market, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of safety and performance.

Following extensive field testing, Cummins plans to launch the retrofit kits for the QSK60 post-2028 to align with market demand and infrastructure readiness. Designed for diesel-electric systems, these kits can be integrated with battery technology to optimize efficiency and sustainability.

DNV awards Cummins AiP for methanol-ready QSK60 marine engines

Dawn Wehr, Cummins Executive Director – Strategy, Product Planning & Digital, said: “Using a retrofittable solution dismisses the need for a major vessel overhaul and creates an immediate positive impact on carbon-emissions reduction. With our continual work on developing solutions for other alcohol fuels, including ethanol, we are committed to providing solutions that work for different operations and fuel infrastructure availabilities to ensure ease of adoption.”

The approval builds on Cummins’ August 2023 announcement permitting the use of renewable diesel, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), across its high-horsepower engine range. By leveraging renewable diesel in dual-fuel solutions, ship operators can make significant progress towards reducing carbon emissions.

Photo credit: Cummins
Published: 7 March, 2025

Retrofit

Matson boxship “Kaimana Hila” returns to service after LNG conversion

“Kaimana Hila” is the latest vessel to operate on LNG bunker fuel, joining its sister ships, “Daniel K. Inouye” and “Manukai”; Matson has ordered three new LNG-ready containerships from Philly Shipyard.

Published

5 months ago

December 18, 2024

Admin

Matson boxship “Kaimana Hila” returns to service after LNG conversion

Shipowner Matson on Friday (13 December) announced that its containership Kaimana Hila is back in service after completing the company’s third LNG conversion.

A new bow windshield was also added for improved aerodynamics and fuel conservation.

Kaimana Hila is the latest vessel to operate on LNG, joining its sister ships, Daniel K. Inouye and Manukai.

Manukai underwent a complete repowering, replacing its engine with a dual-fuel engine like those powering Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila.

These conversions are part of Matson’s long-term strategy to reduce Scope 1 fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Matson has ordered three new Aloha Class containerships from Philly Shipyard. The first, Makua, is under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026.

All three vessels will join the fleet LNG-ready but can operate on conventional fuels as needed.

Like their sisterships Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, each vessel will boast numerous “green ship” technology features, such as a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks, and freshwater ballast systems.

Photo credit: Matson
Published: 17 December, 2024