The containership Seaspan Yangtze, operated by Seaspan Corporation, has successfully undergone a conversion to a methanol dual-fuel engine. The retrofit work was carried out by PrimeServ, Everllence's after-sales division, at the COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Shanghai) Co. shipyard earlier this month, and the vessel has since re-entered service.
This upgrade represents the initial phase of a five-vessel retrofit program for the Hapag-Lloyd fleet. Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd are collaborating on a joint initiative valued at $120 million, specifically aimed at retrofitting containerships with dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol. This strategic investment underscores a commitment to adopting alternative fuels and improving environmental performance within their fleets.
For freight forwarders and shippers, the increasing adoption of methanol-powered vessels signals a shift towards more sustainable shipping options. While this particular upgrade is for a single vessel, it is part of a larger trend that could lead to more green shipping corridors and potentially influence bunker surcharges (BAF) in the future, as carriers invest in cleaner propulsion technologies. The improved Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) for these vessels may also contribute to compliance with upcoming environmental regulations, potentially offering more reliable and compliant capacity.
