Maersk has started a large-scale retrofit programme across its chartered container fleet, targeting efficiency gains that will reduce fuel bills and greenhouse gas output.
The company said the initiative covers about 200 ships, with the cost of upgrades to be shared between Maersk and the vessels’ owners.
More than 1,500 retrofit projects have already been completed, with another 1,000 due by 2027.
“Our medium- and long-term chartered fleet makes up a significant proportion of our operations as well as of our total fuel consumption,” Ahmed Hassan, head of asset strategy and strategic partnerships at Maersk, said. “By working closely with our partners, we aim to implement solutions that not only reduce emissions but also enhance the overall competitiveness of our fleet.”
The work includes new propellers, bulbous bows, and pre-swirl devices, along with waste heat recovery and shaft generator systems. Structural changes are also being made to increase container intake.
“Many of these ships were designed and constructed at a time when container vessels in general were sailing at faster speeds,” Anda Cristescu, head of chartering & newbuilding at Maersk, said. “There lies a big efficiency potential in replacing them.”
Maersk is targeting a 35% absolute cut in scope 1 emissions by 2030 from 2022 levels, with retrofits seen as a key step alongside the shift to alternative fuels.
