Hapag-Lloyd and Seaspan Corporation have successfully completed the first vessel conversion under their joint methanol retrofit programme—the Seaspan Yangtze—marking a key milestone in the industry’s transition toward low-carbon maritime operations. The vessel’s main engine has been upgraded from a conventional MAN S90 to a dual-fuel engine certified for operation on green or low-carbon methanol.
This conversion is the inaugural project within a five-vessel retrofit initiative, which also includes the Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. The total investment across all five retrofits is estimated at approximately USD 120 million. Everllence serves as a technical and engineering partner in the programme.
Each retrofitted vessel is projected to reduce annual CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) emissions by 30,000–50,000 metric tonnes when operating on certified low-carbon methanol. In addition to emission reductions, the retrofits extend the operational lifespan of existing assets and enhance fuel flexibility—supporting both regulatory compliance and long-term fleet resilience.
The five vessels—each with a capacity of 10,100 TEU—constitute a strategically significant segment of Hapag-Lloyd’s chartered fleet. Their conversion underscores the viability of large-scale, mid-life retrofits as a pragmatic and scalable complement to newbuild investments in achieving decarbonisation goals.
Silke Lehmkoster, Managing Director Fleet at Hapag-Lloyd, stated: “The successful retrofit of the Seaspan Yangtze demonstrates that proven vessel platforms, combined with cutting-edge engine technology and close cross-industry collaboration, can be effectively adapted for next-generation fuels. This delivers measurable progress toward more sustainable, resilient, and customer-centric supply chains.”
The methanol retrofit programme forms an integral component of Hapag-Lloyd’s comprehensive decarbonisation strategy. This strategy encompasses the ordering of new dual-fuel vessels, targeted retrofits of existing tonnage, operational efficiency enhancements, and the procurement and validation of scalable alternative fuels—all aligned with the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across its fleet by 2045.
Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/FMRPwm01kEdSFvMOB2XLwg