Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. and A.P. Moller – Maersk have strengthened their long-standing partnership with a comprehensive vessel upgrade programme aimed at improving fleet efficiency, boosting cargo capacity, and accelerating decarbonization efforts across their time-chartered fleet.
The initiative builds on more than two decades of collaboration between the two maritime leaders and will initially cover 18 vessels operating under long-term charter agreements. The programme is designed to deliver measurable improvements in fuel efficiency, operational performance, emissions reduction, and overall cost competitiveness.
Major Retrofit Programme for 13,000 TEU Vessels
A key component of the initiative is the modernization of four 13,000 TEU container vessels, marking one of the largest retrofit projects undertaken within the shared Seaspan-Maersk charter fleet.
The vessels will undergo a series of technical upgrades, including the installation of shaft generators to reduce fuel consumption by auxiliary engines, optimization of the main engine for improved performance, and the addition of high-efficiency propellers along with pre-swirl devices to enhance propulsion efficiency.
The ships will also be prepared for future environmental regulations through carbon capture readiness. In addition, the lashing bridges will be elevated to accommodate more containers, while increased deadweight capacity will improve overall cargo-loading capability.
Together, these enhancements are expected to lower slot costs by approximately 10–13 percent while delivering better fuel economy, improved operational flexibility, and stronger environmental performance.
$75 Million Investment in Fleet Upgrades
Seaspan and Maersk have committed approximately USD 75 million toward completed and planned upgrades across the 18-vessel programme. The companies also indicated that additional projects are being evaluated to improve vessel performance further and support the industry’s transition toward lower-carbon operations.
New Collaboration on Maritime Decarbonization
In a parallel development, WattSpan, Seaspan’s strategic maritime technology and engineering joint venture, has joined Maersk and COSCO Shipyard in signing a non-binding Memorandum of Cooperation.
The one-year framework will focus on vessel modernization, energy-efficiency improvements, and the development of maritime decarbonization technologies. The agreement also provides for collaboration in research, information sharing, and the execution of future commercial projects.
Focus on Long-Term Sustainability
Seaspan Chief Fleet Operations Officer Dimitrios Panagopoulos said the collaboration demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate practical decarbonization efforts while improving vessel performance. Maersk’s Head of Chartering and Newbuilding, Anda Cristescu, noted that the upgrades would reduce fuel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increase cargo capacity, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of the company’s global fleet.
The expanded partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to investing in innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency while preparing their fleets for the future of sustainable shipping.
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