Seaspan and Maersk Invest $75 Million in Containership Upgrade Programme
Seaspan and Maersk are expanding their efforts to improve fleet efficiency through a major upgrade programme covering 18 containerships on long-term charter. According to The Maritime Telegraph, the initiative focuses on lowering fuel consumption, increasing cargo capacity and helping vessels meet stricter environmental requirements.
The largest upgrades will be carried out on four 13,000 TEU containerships. Rather than relying only on newbuild vessels, the companies are investing in modernising existing ships and extending their commercial value.
The retrofit package includes propulsion improvements, shaft generators, high-efficiency propellers and other technologies designed to improve vessel performance and reduce fuel use. The ships will also be prepared for future carbon capture systems as the industry moves towards lower emissions.
The upgrades will increase cargo capacity and provide greater loading flexibility. Seaspan and Maersk expect the improvements to reduce slot costs by around 10–13% while boosting overall operational efficiency.
Seaspan said completed and planned investments under the 18-vessel programme total approximately $75 million. In addition, WattSpan, Seaspan’s maritime technology and engineering joint venture, has signed a cooperation agreement with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard to support future vessel modification projects, energy-efficiency solutions and decarbonisation technologies.
