AP Moller – Maersk To Retrofit 200 Chartered Vessels

AP Moller -Maersk has set out a large scale-retrofit programme for its time-chartered fleet working with 50 shipowners of around 200 vessels.

This programme was aimed to improve vessel efficiency involving 50 different shipowners and 1,500 projects.

“Our medium- and long-term chartered fleet makes up a significant proportion of our operations as well as of our total fuel consumption. 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,” said Ahmed Hassan, Head of Asset Strategy and Strategic Partnerships at Maersk.

A total of 1,500 individual projects have been executed across the 200 vessels in the programme, and further 1,000 projects are in the process of execution with completion in 2027. The investment cost is split between Maersk and the shipowner.

Given the number of different vessels and owners there are wide range of retrofits but there are a couple of common areas involving the replacement of the bulbous bow and propellors.

“Many of these ships were designed and constructed at a time when container vessels in general were sailing at faster speeds. To bring down fuel consumption, we have over the years introduced less compressed vessel schedules, but the propellers and bulbs optimized for faster speeds have been kept. There lies a big efficiency potential in replacing them,” explained Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk.

Other retrofits involve auxiliary engine waste heat recovery systems and shaft generators. Structural improvements are also being taken to improve cargo carrying capacity.