Maersk has announced it has surpassed the halfway point in its extensive refit program aimed at cutting fuel and operating costs, as well as emissions for its chartered containership fleet. This initiative is described as a “win-win model,” benefiting both Maersk through enhanced operational economics and vessel owners who gain long-term value from modernized ships. So far, over 1,500 projects have been executed across 200 vessels in collaboration with 50 shipowners, with an additional 1,000 projects slated for completion by 2027. The financial burden of these projects is shared between Maersk and the shipowners.
Ahmed Hassan, Maersk’s Head of Asset Strategy and Strategic Partnerships, highlighted that the medium- and long-term chartered fleet constitutes a significant portion of their operations and fuel consumption. The company is focused on implementing solutions that not only mitigate emissions but also improve fleet competitiveness. Currently, more than half of Maersk’s vessels are chartered, with the company operating a total of 736 containers, of which 392 are on charter.
The retrofit projects involve significant modifications, such as replacing propellers and bulbous bows to enhance hydrodynamic efficiency. These upgrades aim to reduce drag and maximize thrust while minimizing energy loss. Other initiatives include installing waste heat recovery systems and shaft generator systems to decrease reliance on fuel-burning auxiliary engines. Structural improvements are also being made to boost cargo capacity, including elevating the wheelhouse and upgrading lashing systems.
Maersk’s overarching goal is to reduce absolute scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030, using 2022 as a baseline. The company is also investing in new vessels to replace older ships and exploring alternative fuels for new builds. In a notable move, Maersk completed the first conversion of a large containership, the Maersk Halifax, to dual-fuel methanol capabilities, which also resulted in a nearly five percent increase in container capacity. Similarly, Hapag-Lloyd has initiated a refit program for up to 60 Seaspan-owned containerships, preparing them for methanol fuel operations.
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