Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd Complete First Methanol Retrofit Under Five-Vessel Program
Maritime asset ownership and management firm Seaspan Corporation and German container shipping major Hapag-Lloyd have completed the first of five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit program.
The first converted vessel, Seaspan Yangtze, has now been delivered. The remaining vessels planned for retrofit are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi.
Methanol Retrofit Expected to Cut Annual Emissions
According to Seaspan, each retrofit is expected to reduce CO2e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tons per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol. The conversions are also expected to extend vessel lifespan and enhance fuel flexibility.
“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd.
“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”
Retrofit Program Advances Seaspan’s SAVER and CleanBlue Initiatives
The retrofit program is being performed under Seaspan’s SAVER program, which is aimed at improving vessel efficiency. It is also being carried out under the CleanBlue initiative, which enables low and zero-carbon fuel technologies.
“Decarbonization is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan.
“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”
