MAN to convert 15 containerships

MAN Energy Solutions will convert 15 containerships so they can run on green methanol.

The agreement with Seaspan Corp., a global leader in containership ownership and management and Hapag-Lloyd, one of the leading global liner shipping companies, includes 45 optional engine retrofit solutions.

MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division will convert MAN B&W S90-type fuel-oil-powered engines from the Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd fleets to dual-fuel ME-LGIM engines.

Seaspan is the largest global containership lessor, primarily focused on long-term time charters with the world’s leading container shipping lines. With an industry-leading newbuild program of 70 vessels, Seaspan will bring its owned fleet to a total of 200 vessels and 1.9mn TEU capacity.

MAN PrimeServ to deliver engine retrofit solutions for Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd vessels for dual-fuel propulsion. (Image: MAN Energy Solutions)

With a fleet of 250 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 1.8 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. Hapag-Lloyd aims at operating its vessels in a climate-neutral manner to become net-zero carbon by 2045.

“Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd, are significant maritime stakeholders with strong fleet-decarbonization commitments and strategies,” said Thomas Leander, of MAN Energy Solutions. “This agreement shows clear intent to drive the industry transition toward zero-carbon shipping. Retrofitting existing engines to dual-fuel running is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to derive greater efficiency and profitability from an existing shipping fleet, while simultaneously delivering fuel flexibility and extending operational lifetimes. Crucially, this also avoids the unnecessary building of additional tonnage with associated CO2 emissions, and thereby showcasing that retrofitting the existing maritime fleet is an important and feasible path.

“With this collaborative agreement, we proceed our journey providing decarbonization solutions for the maritime industry.”