Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. has announced a deeper strategic collaboration with A.P. Moller – Maersk to improve the efficiency and performance of vessels on long-term charter to the Danish container shipping and logistics group.

The programme covers 18 vessels in the shared Seaspan–Maersk time-charter fleet and is designed to deliver measurable improvements in fuel efficiency, cargo-carrying capacity, operational flexibility and emissions performance.

A key part of the initiative focuses on four 13,000 TEU containerships, for which Seaspan and Maersk have jointly developed a package of retrofit solutions. Seaspan described the project as one of the most significant upgrade programmes within the companies’ shared long-term charter fleet.

The retrofit package includes the installation of shaft generators to reduce auxiliary engine fuel consumption, main engine performance optimisation, a new high-efficiency propeller and a pre-swirl device to improve propulsion efficiency. The vessels will also be made carbon capture ready, allowing them to better prepare for future emissions regulations.

In addition to energy-efficiency upgrades, the project will also enhance cargo capacity. The lashing bridge will be elevated to increase container intake, while the vessels’ deadweight will be increased to improve loading capability.

According to Seaspan, the combined measures are expected to improve the vessels’ slot cost by approximately 10% to 13%, while also strengthening fuel efficiency, operational performance and regulatory readiness.

The total investment in completed and planned fleet upgrades across the 18 vessels is approximately $75m. Seaspan said further initiatives are under development to support continued decarbonisation and vessel performance improvements.

Separately, WattSpan, a strategic maritime technology and engineering joint-venture partner to Seaspan, has joined Maersk and COSCO Shipyard in signing a non-binding Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement establishes a one-year framework for collaboration on vessel upgrades, energy-efficiency improvements and maritime decarbonisation technologies.

The cooperation may include joint development, information sharing and future project execution under separate commercial agreements.

Dimitrios Panagopoulos, Chief Fleet Operations Officer at Seaspan, said the partnership reflects the practical and high-impact collaboration needed to advance decarbonisation across the maritime industry. He said the cooperation with Maersk, WattSpan and COSCO Shipyard combines technical expertise, operational insight and long-term investment to improve vessel performance today while preparing the fleet for future fuels and technologies.

Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering and Newbuilding at Maersk, said Seaspan has been a valued partner and significant provider of tonnage to the Maersk fleet for many years. She said the upgrades are intended to reduce fuel costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase cargo capacity, thereby improving the competitiveness of Maersk’s fleet.