Maersk launches efficiency program across time-chartered fleet to reduce emissions

Danish logistics giant A.P. Moller – Maersk has launched an efficiency program for its time-chartered fleet, targeting the retrofit of approximately 200 vessels, with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The large-scale program, which involves collaboration with 50 different shipowners, seeks to reduce the slot cost by improving fuel efficiency and cargo-carrying capacity, leading to a decrease in both cost and GHG emissions. 

As explained, Maersk and time-charter partners have executed more than 1,500 individual projects in total across 200 vessels with 50 shipowners, and an additional 1,000 projects are in the process of execution, scheduled to be finalized by 2027. The investment cost for these solutions is split between Maersk and the vessel owners. 

The project spans different vessels in terms of size and configurations, as well as the various retrofit tools.

Of the around 200 vessels being retrofitted, a common and significant change to the vessel configuration is the replacement of the propeller or bulbous bow, Maersk said.

The integration of an optimally designed bulbous bow reshapes water flow around the hull to reduce drag