The world’s second-largest container shipping company, Maersk, has detailed its ambitious retrofit plan for its charter, involving 50 different shipowners and approximately 200 vessels.

The main goals of the plan are to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions by increasing efficiency and carrying capacity. Maersk has set a target to reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030, compared to its base year 2022.

“Our time charter fleet represents a significant proportion of both our operational and total fuel consumption. Through close cooperation with our partners, we aim implement solutions that reduce emissions while also enhancing the overall competitiveness of our fleet,” said Ahmed Hassan, Head of Asset Strategy and Strategic Partnerships, Maersk.

, Maersk and its time charter partners have implemented over 1,500 individual projects with 50 shipowners across 200 vessels, with an additional1,000 projects ongoing, expected to be completed by 2027. The investment cost of these solutions is shared between Maersk and the shipowners.

Among the approximately 200 vessels being retrofitted, one common and significant vessel configuration change is the replacement of the propeller or the underwater bulbous bow.

Other retrofit solutions, such as auxiliary engine waste heat recovery systems, allow steam to be generated from the heat energy of auxiliary engines, reducing the reliance on fuel-fired boil. Similarly, the installation of shaft generators reduces the reliance on auxiliary engines, contributing to fuel savings.

Cargo carrying capacity has also been enhanced through a series of structural and improvements: raising the bridge to improve visibility and increase stowage, increasing the height of the lashing bridge, enhancing the vessel’s deadweight tonnage at deep drafts and upgrading the lashing system and loading computer functions.