Hapag-Lloyd has completed the first vessel conversion under its methanol retrofit programme, with charter vessel Seaspan Yangtze now capable of operating on methanol.
The 10,100 TEU containership, owned by Seaspan Corporation, has been converted from a conventional MAN S90 engine to a dual-fuel engine, becoming the first of five vessels scheduled for upgrade under the joint programme involving Hapag-Lloyd, Seaspan and engine manufacturer Everllence.
The retrofit project also includes Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames and Seaspan Zambezi, with total investment across the five vessels estimated at about $120 million.
According to Hapag-Lloyd, each converted vessel could cut CO2e emissions by around 30,000-50,000 mt per year when operating on low-carbon methanol. The retrofits are also intended to extend vessel service life while providing greater fuel flexibility.
The company said the project forms part of its broader strategy to decarbonise fleet operations by 2045 through a combination of newbuildings, efficiency improvements, alternative fuel sourcing and upgrades to existing ships.
