Seaspan Corporation and A.P. Moller - Maersk have announced an expanded collaboration aimed at improving the fuel efficiency and operational performance of 18 vessels on long-term time charter to Maersk, with combined investment in fleet upgrades reaching approximately $75m.

The programme, announced on 8 July, covers upgrades across the 18-vessel time charter fleet, including a retrofit package specifically developed for four 13,000-teu vessels.

The retrofit solution for those four vessels comprises the installation of a shaft generator to reduce auxiliary engine fuel consumption, main engine performance optimisation, a new high-efficiency propeller and pre-swirl device to improve propulsion efficiency, and carbon capture readiness. In addition, the lashing bridge on each vessel will be elevated to increase cargo carrying capacity, and deadweight capacity will be increased to enhance loading capability.

These measures are expected to improve slot cost by approximately 10–13% per vessel, while also improving fuel efficiency, operational performance and regulatory readiness.

The $75m figure covers investments completed and planned across all 18 vessels, with further initiatives said to be under development to support continued decarbonisation and performance gains.

Separately, WattSpan — a maritime technology and engineering joint venture focused on vessel performance, energy efficiency and decarbonisation solutions that counts Seaspan as a strategic partner — has signed a non-binding memorandum of cooperation with Maersk and COSCO Shipyard. The agreement establishes a one-year framework for collaboration on vessel upgrades, energy efficiency improvements and decarbonisation technologies, including joint development, information sharing and future project execution under separate commercial agreements.

Dimitrios Panagopoulos, chief fleet operations officer at Seaspan, remarked: "This partnership reflects the kind of practical, high-impact collaboration needed to advance decarbonisation across the maritime industry. By working closely with Maersk, WattSpan and COSCO Shipyard, we are combining technical expertise, operational insight and long-term investment to improve vessel performance today while preparing our fleet for the fuels and technologies of the future. It is a strong example of how trusted partnerships can deliver meaningful progress at scale."

Anda Cristescu, head of chartering and newbuilding at Maersk, commented: "For many years, Seaspan has been a valued partner and significant provider of tonnage to the Maersk fleet. By working closely with Seaspan, we aim to implement vessel upgrades that reduce fuel costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase cargo capacity — all of which enhance the competitiveness of our fleet."