June 05, 2026
News

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol retrofits

Written by Nick Blenkey

Seaspan Yangtze is the first vessel converted under five-ship methamol retrofit program. [Photo: Seaspan Corporation]

Seaspan Corporation and Hapag-Lloyd report that they have completed the first of five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit program with the redelivery of the 2014-built 10,100 TEU containership Seaspan Yangtze.

Though the two companies didn’t get into technical specifics of what the methanol refrofit conversion involved, back in July 2023 they signed an agreement with MAN Energy Solutions (now Everllence) covering the delivery of engine retrofit solutions for conversion of vessels powered by individual MAN B&W S90-type fuel-oil-powered engines from the Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd fleets to dual-fuel ME-LGIM engines capable of running on green methanol (see story HERE).

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd say the conversion of Seaspan Yangtze is not only a remarkable technical achievement, but also a powerful statement of their joint commitment to a greener future.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the program are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce CO2e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonization is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today,” said Bing Chen, chairman, president and CEO of Seaspan. “Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, managing director, fleet at Hapag-Lloyd. “Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”