Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan complete first methanol-fuelled vessel retrofit

Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan Corporation have completed the first conversion under their five-vessel methanol retrofit programme. The Singapore-flagged 10,100-TEU Seaspan Yangtze was successfully upgraded to operate on methanol as well as conventional fuel.
The vessel's MAN S90 main engine has been converted to dual-fuel capability, marking the first completed project in a programme that also includes sister vessels Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames and Seaspan Zambezi. The total investment across the five retrofits is estimated at around USD 120 million.
The project is being carried out through a collaboration between Hapag-Lloyd, Seaspan and engine manufacturer Everllence. The retrofit programme forms part of Hapag-Lloyd's broader strategy to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045 through a combination of newbuildings, fuel-flexible vessel upgrades, efficiency improvements and alternative fuel adoption.
Silke Lehmköster, managing director fleet at Hapag-Lloyd, said: "Retrofitting existing vessels is an important lever on our way to decarbonize our fleet operations by 2045. The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze shows that technical innovation and close cooperation with strong partners can make proven vessels ready for the use of low-carbon fuels. For our customers, this is another concrete step towards more sustainable supply chains."
According to the companies, each converted vessel could reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes annually when operating on low-carbon methanol. In addition to lowering emissions, the conversions extend vessel service life and provide greater operational flexibility through access to multiple fuel options.
The completion of Seaspan Yangtze highlights the growing role of retrofit programmes in shipping's decarbonisation efforts, particularly for operators seeking to reduce emissions without waiting for large-scale fleet renewal programmes.