Container shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk has expanded its partnership with maritime asset owner Seaspan, on an initiative to improve the efficiency and reduce the emissions of their time-chartered fleet.
The two firms have announced a retrofit programme across 18 container vessels operating under long-term charter by Maersk, which will seek to unlock ‘measurable gains’ in fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, operational flexibility, and emissions reduction.
‘High-impact’ upgrades
This will include ‘high-impact’ upgrades of four 3,000 TEU vessels, involving the installation of shaft generators to reduce auxiliary engine fuel consumption, the optimisation of main engine functions, higher-efficiency propellers, and carbon capture readiness to prepare the ships for future emissions requirements.
In addition, lashing bridges will be elevated to enable the vessels to carry more cargo, and the deadweight will be increased to enhance loading capability.
As the companies noted, these upgrades are likely to improve slot costs by between 10% and 13%, while also enhancing fuel efficiency and operational performance. The full investment programme will cost around $75 million, with additional maritime decarbonisation initiatives also under development.
“For many years, Seaspan has been a valued partner and significant provider of tonnage to the Maersk fleet,” commented Anda Cristescu, head of chartering and newbuilding at Maersk. “By working closely with Seaspan, we aim to implement vessel upgrades that reduce fuel costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increase cargo capacity – all of which enhance the competitiveness of our fleet.”
WattSpan
Elsewhere, Seaspan’s maritime technology joint venture WattSpan has signed a non-binding memorandum of cooperation with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard to encourage collaborative ventures in areas such as vessel upgrades, energy efficiency improvements and maritime decarbonisation technologies.
“This partnership reflects the kind of practical, high-impact collaboration needed to advance decarbonisation across the maritime industry,” commented Dimitrios Panagopoulos, chief fleet operations officer at Seaspan. “By working closely with Maersk, WattSpan, and COSCO Shipyard, we are combining technical expertise, operational insight, and long-term investment to improve vessel performance today while preparing our fleet for the fuels and technologies of the future.
“It is a strong example of how trusted partnerships can deliver meaningful progress at scale.” Read more here.
