Cosco Shipping Libra has returned to Shanghai Yangshan Port after completing its first operational voyage following conversion to methanol dual-fuel operation for both its main and auxiliary engines.

The large container vessel, retrofitted by Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry (Shanghai), spent 106 days at sea and covered around 27,800 nautical miles across the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The project is being described as the first time a vessel has undergone conversion of both propulsion and auxiliary systems to methanol dual-fuel capability.

The voyage was used to test the full operational chain linked to green fuel use, including bunkering procedures, onboard operations and equipment maintenance, providing real-world performance data for low-carbon shipping applications.

Following the vessel’s return, technical teams from Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry (Shanghai) carried out onboard inspections and gathered feedback from crew members and the ship management company. Operational performance in methanol mode was reported as stable, with key systems functioning as intended.

The vessel’s operator also provided optimisation recommendations based on practical experience, while commending the retrofit technology, project execution and post-delivery support.

The project was delivered in collaboration with Cosco Shipping Lines as part of broader efforts to advance low-emission shipping solutions.

Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry said the retrofit provides a replicable model for similar conversions, as interest in alternative fuels continues to grow amid tightening environmental regulations and wider energy transition across the maritime sector.

Data gathered from the maiden voyage and follow-up assessments is expected to support further development and deployment of green ship technologies as the industry works towards lower-carbon operations.