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Seaspan and Maersk Join Forces for Fleet Efficiency

Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. has solidified its longstanding partnership with A.P. Moller - Maersk, focusing on enhancing their fleet's efficiency through an ambitious vessel upgrade program. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, operational flexibility, and reducing emissions across their time-chartered fleet of vessels.

Putting the Partnership into Action

With a history of over 20 years of successful collaboration, Seaspan and Maersk have embarked on a comprehensive efficiency program targeting 18 vessels currently on long-term charter to Maersk. This project represents one of the largest fleet enhancement initiatives the pair have undertaken to date.

A key aspect of the program is the development of advanced retrofit solutions that will be applied to four vessels, each with a capacity of 13,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). These vessels are set to receive significant upgrades that will not only improve their operational effectiveness but also position them for compliance with future environmental regulations.

Details of the Retrofit Solutions

The retrofit package will include several high-impact modifications aimed at reducing operational costs:

• - Shaft Generator Installation: This addition will help to minimize fuel consumption for auxiliary engines.
• - Engine Optimization: By fine-tuning the main engine’s performance, operational efficiency will see considerable enhancement.
• - Propulsion Upgrades: The implementation of a new high-efficiency propeller, complemented by a pre-swirl device, is expected to boost propulsion efficiency further.
• - Carbon Capture Readiness: Preparing vessels for the upcoming emissions regulations is a priority, ensuring that they are equipped for future demands.
• - Increased Cargo Capacity: Elevating the lashing bridge and raising deadweight improves load capability significantly.

Combined, these strategies aim to lower the slot cost for operators by approximately 10-13%, which translates into tangible savings and improved operational performance. Remarkably, investments in the fleet upgrades for these 18 vessels are reaching around $75 million, with additional initiatives being explored to foster ongoing decarbonization efforts.

Collaborative Efforts Towards Future Innovations

In a related development, Seaspan's strategic maritime technology partner, WattSpan, along with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Cooperation. This collaboration aims to establish a framework for enhancing vessel upgrades, focusing on energy efficiency improvements and the advancement of maritime decarbonization technologies.

These collaborative efforts will foster joint development, effective information sharing, and pave the way for future projects under separate commercial agreements.

Responses from Industry Leaders

Dimitrios Panagopoulos, the Chief Fleet Operations Officer at Seaspan, remarked, “This partnership demonstrates the type of impactful collaboration essential for driving decarbonization in the maritime sector. Our joint efforts with Maersk, WattSpan, and COSCO Shipyard unite technical expertise with strategic investments, enhancing vessel performance and preparing for future technological advancements.”

Meanwhile, Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering and Newbuilding at Maersk, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Seaspan's valuable role as a tonnage provider. She emphasized their mutual goal of upgrading vessels to reduce fuel expenses while simultaneously increasing cargo capacity and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, all of which contribute to the competitiveness of Maersk's fleet.

About Seaspan Corporation

Seaspan Corporation is recognized as a leading player in the maritime asset ownership field, offering long-term, fixed-rate leases to some of the largest shipping lines across the globe. With a fleet of 247 vessels as of March 31, 2026, Seaspan is committed to operational excellence and environmental stewardship in the shipping industry.

About A.P. Moller - Maersk

A.P. Moller - Maersk stands as a front-runner in integrated logistics, committed to simplifying supply chains for its customers worldwide. Operating in over 130 countries and employing around 100,000 individuals, Maersk continues to push the envelope in logistics solutions, making significant impacts in the maritime industry.