Seaspan, Maersk expand vessel upgrade program to boost efficiency

Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. and A.P. Moller – Maersk are expanding their long-standing partnership with a vessel efficiency program covering 18 ships on long-term charter, aimed at improving fuel efficiency, cargo capacity and emissions performance.

The companies said the initiative builds on more than 20 years of collaboration and includes a major retrofit program for four 13,000-TEU container vessels. The upgrades include installing shaft generators, optimizing main engine performance, fitting high-efficiency propellers and pre-swirl devices, and preparing the vessels for future carbon capture technology.

“This partnership reflects the kind of practical, high-impact collaboration needed to advance decarbonization across the maritime industry,” said Dimitrios Panagopoulos, chief fleet operations officer at Seaspan. “By working closely with Maersk, WattSpan, and COSCO Shipyard, we are combining technical expertise, operational insight, and long-term investment to improve vessel performance today while preparing our fleet for the fuels and technologies of the future. It is a strong example of how trusted partnerships can deliver meaningful progress at scale.”

Additional modifications will raise the lashing bridge and increase deadweight capacity to improve cargo-carrying capability. Seaspan said the combined measures are expected to improve vessel slot costs by about 10 to 13 per cent while enhancing fuel efficiency, operational performance and regulatory readiness.

Completed and planned upgrades across the 18-vessel fleet represent investments of about US$75 million, with additional decarbonization initiatives under development.

“For many years, Seaspan has been a valued partner and significant provider of tonnage to the Maersk fleet. By working closely with Seaspan, we aim to implement vessel upgrades that reduce fuel costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increase cargo capacity – all of which enhance the competitiveness of our fleet,” said Anda Cristescu, head of chartering and newbuilding at Maersk.

Separately, WattSpan, a maritime technology and engineering joint venture with Seaspan, signed a non-binding memorandum of co-operation with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard to collaborate for one year on vessel upgrades, energy-efficiency improvements and maritime decarbonization technologies.