by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
Last week, Danish carrier Maersk initiated a significant retrofitting programme involving approximately 200 vessels from its time-chartered fleet, in collaboration with 50 different shipowners.
The primary objective is to lower slot costs by enhancing fuel efficiency and cargo-carrying capacity, which is expected to result in reduced costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
In a press release, the liner highlighted that it has set a target to achieve a 35% absolute reduction in scope one greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, using 2022 as the baseline year.
The project encompasses a diverse range of vessels, differing in size and configuration, which necessitates the use of various retrofit tools.
According to Maersk, multiple modifications will be introduced. These include:
- The replacement of propellers and/or bulbous bows on vessels
- Installation of optimally designed bulbous bows to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamic efficiency
- Addition of auxiliary engine waste heat recovery systems
The company adds that cargo-carrying capacity will also be enhanced through a range of structural and technical improvements.
This retrofitting programme is being launched shortly before a key meeting of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation, where member states are expected to adopt a comprehensive agreement on decarbonisation.
