Why is Maersk upgrading so many ships at once?
Maersk has unveiled an ambitious retrofit drive to modernise roughly 200 time-chartered container vessels, working with 50 shipowners. The core aim: slash slot costs by boosting fuel efficiency and carrying capacity, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s Changing Under This Retrofit Plan
- Propellers & bulbous bows will be replaced to optimise hydrodynamics and reduce drag.
- Pre-swirl devices, waste heat recovery systems, and shaft generators will be installed on many ships to reduce auxiliary engine load and fossil fuel use.
- Structural upgrades will enhance cargo capacity—raising the lashing bridges, strengthening deadweight capacity, elevating wheelhouses for better visibility, and updating loading systems.
Environmental & Economic Goals
- Maersk aims for a 35% absolute reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to its 2022 baseline.
- By increasing efficiency and cargo capacity, the company expects to lower costs while maintaining competitive advantage for both owned and chartered vessels.
Ahmed Hassan, Head of Asset Strategy and Strategic Partnerships, emphasised:
“While fuel transition is needed to reach our long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2040, investments in existing fleet efficiency enhancement technologies is a powerful tool to gain significant emissions reductions in the short term.”
Challenges & Strategic Implications
- With 200 vessels in the mix, each retrofit must be customised—ships vary in size, design and condition.
- To incentivise owners, Maersk and partners are splitting costs.
- Some shipowners without retrofits may risk being deprioritised in charter renewals—Maersk’s move effectively pressures compliance.
