Seaspan and Maersk launch USD 75 million vessel-efficiency upgrade programme

Seaspan Corporation and A.P. Moller-Maersk have launched a vessel-efficiency programme worth approximately USD 75 million (EUR 65.70 million) covering 18 container ships on long-term charter to the Danish carrier. The initiative is aimed at improving fuel efficiency, increasing cargo capacity and preparing the vessels for future environmental requirements.

The programme will begin with four 13,000-TEU vessels that will undergo a series of technical upgrades. Planned modifications include the installation of shaft generators to reduce auxiliary-engine fuel consumption, main-engine optimisation measures, high-efficiency propellers with pre-swirl devices, and provisions to support future carbon-capture systems.

The vessels will also have their lashing bridges raised to increase container-carrying capacity, while deadweight capacity will be increased to improve cargo intake. Seaspan and Maersk expect the combined measures to reduce slot costs by 10-13% while enhancing fuel performance and regulatory compliance.

In a related development, WattSpan, Seaspan’s technology and engineering joint-venture partner, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Co-operation establishing a one-year framework covering vessel upgrades, energy-efficiency projects and decarbonisation technologies.

Dimitris Panagopoulos, chief fleet operations officer at Seaspan, said the programme would combine expertise from multiple partners to improve vessel performance while preparing ships for future fuels and technologies. He added: “This partnership reflects the kind of practical, high-impact collaboration needed to advance decarbonisation across the maritime industry.”

Anda Cristescu, head of Chartering and Newbuilding at Maersk, said the companies aimed to introduce upgrades that would reduce fuel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase cargo capacity across the fleet.