Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan Corporation have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership aimed at advancing sustainability in the maritime industry. The collaboration entails retrofitting five 10,100 TEU container ships with conventional MAN S90 engines to dual-fuel engines capable of operating on methanol. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving strategic decarbonization goals by 2045.
Dr. Maximilan Rothkopf, Hapag-Lloyd’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), expressed enthusiasm for the methanol retrofit project, emphasizing its alignment with the company’s sustainability agenda. By transitioning these vessels to green methanol propulsion by 2026, Hapag-Lloyd aims to address the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions while advancing its decarbonization objectives.
Torsten Holst Pedersen, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Seaspan, underscored the importance of collaboration in driving innovation within the container shipping industry. Pedersen emphasized that retrofitting plays a crucial role in achieving decarbonization targets, highlighting the significance of strategic partnerships like the one forged between Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan.
Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to decarbonization extends beyond vessel retrofits, encompassing investments in newbuildings, dual-fuel propulsion retrofits, and fleet optimization programs. The company is also actively exploring and sourcing green fuels, with green methanol emerging as a promising low-emission fuel for the future.
The vessels slated for retrofits include the “Seaspan Amazon,” “Seaspan Ganges,” “Seaspan Thames,” “Seaspan Yangtze,” and “Seaspan Zambezi.” The retrofit process is expected to take approximately 80-90 days per vessel, commencing in the first quarter of 2026. The total investment for the retrofitting of all five units is estimated at around USD 120 million.
By embracing innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan are spearheading efforts to reduce emissions and drive sustainability in the maritime sector. The retrofitting of these vessels represents a significant milestone in the transition towards greener shipping practices, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
