MAN Energy Solutions and CHI sign decarbonisation retrofit agreement

MAN Energy Solutions has signed a framework agreement with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (COSCO HI) to collaborate on retrofitting commercial vessels for alternative fuel use. The deal was formalised at a recent ceremony in China, with senior representatives from both companies in attendance.

The agreement will see MAN provide engine retrofit and digital energy efficiency technologies, while CHI will contribute engineering and ship modification expertise. The focus will be on converting existing vessels to operate on alternative fuels such as methane, methanol, and ammonia – all of which can be produced using sustainable power-to-X methods.

There could be as many as 4,500 vessels suitable for conversion, participants agreed. COSCO HI services 1,500 vessels annually and is collaborating with MAN on two major retrofit projects.

“I am pleased to announce that CHI and MAN Energy Solutions, having served shared clients in their respective domains, are now forging a closer collaboration in vessel decarbonisation,” said Guo Zhiqiang, deputy general manager, COSCO HI Commercial Headquarters. “Starting today, our integrated one-stop solutions will inject fresh impetus into the green transition of the global maritime industry.”