Copenhagen, Denmark | October 2, 2025 – A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), the global shipping and logistics giant, has unveiled a groundbreaking efficiency initiative targeting its extensive time-chartered fleet. In collaboration with 50 different shipowners, Maersk is undertaking retrofit projects across approximately 200 vessels, aiming to drastically enhance fuel efficiency, increase cargo-carrying capacity, and reduce the overall slot cost. This large-scale programme stands as a critical pillar in Maersk’s commitment to environmental sustainability and operational excellence.
The medium- and long-term chartered vessels represent a substantial share of Maersk’s operational footprint and fuel consumption. Recognizing this, Maersk has committed to closely partnering with shipowners to implement state-of-the-art retrofit solutions that will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also bolster the competitiveness and longevity of these vessels.
Ahmed Hassan, Head of Asset Strategy and Strategic Partnerships at Maersk, emphasized, “Our medium- and long-term chartered fleet makes up a significant proportion of our operations as well as of our total fuel consumption. By working closely with our partners, we aim to implement solutions that not only reduce emissions but also enhance the overall competitiveness of our fleet.”
Maersk has set an aggressive target to reduce absolute scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 2022 levels. While the transition to alternative fuels remains central to Maersk’s ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2040, investments in retrofit and efficiency enhancement technologies offer immediate and substantial emissions reduction opportunities.
Ahmed Hassan elaborated, “While fuel transition is needed to reach our long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2040, investments in existing fleet efficiency enhancement technologies is a powerful tool to gain significant emissions reductions in the short term. Consequently, this strong emphasis on efficiency measures can deliver tangible progress towards our 2030 goal. That goes for owned as well as chartered vessels.”
The retrofit initiative is a testament to strong collaboration between Maersk and its time-charter partners. Over 1,500 individual retrofit projects have been successfully executed on 200 vessels owned by 50 shipowners, with an additional 1,000 projects underway, expected to conclude by 2027. Both Maersk and vessel owners share the financial investment, creating mutual value.
Ahmed Hassan describes this partnership model as “a win-win. At Maersk, we can reduce both emissions and fuel costs, while the owners get the long-term value of a modernised vessel. Fleet renewal is often seen as new vessels replacing the old, but it is also about ensuring your existing vessels keep their competitive edge.”
Given the diversity of vessels involved in the retrofit programme, encompassing various sizes and configurations, the technologies and solutions applied are carefully customized for each ship.
A cornerstone retrofit involves replacing propellers and bulbous bows—critical components in enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency. The integration of an optimally designed bulbous bow reshapes water flow around the hull to reduce drag, while new propellers combined with Pre-Swirl Devices maximize thrust and minimize energy loss.
These changes significantly lower fuel consumption.
Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, notes, “Many of these ships were designed and constructed at a time when container vessels were sailing at faster speeds. To bring down fuel consumption, we have introduced less compressed vessel schedules, but the propellers and bulbs optimized for faster speeds have been kept. There lies a big efficiency potential in replacing them.”
Additional retrofit solutions include auxiliary engine waste heat recovery systems, which convert waste heat into steam, reducing reliance on fuel-oil-fired boilers, and shaft generator systems, which lower auxiliary engine use and deliver further fuel savings.
Beyond fuel efficiency, the retrofit programme also focuses on boosting cargo-carrying capacity through technical and structural improvements. These include elevating the wheelhouse to improve the crew’s line of sight and increase air intake, raising lashing bridges, reinforcing the vessel’s deadweight capacity to allow for deeper drafts, and upgrading both lashing systems and loading computer functionalities.
Such upgrades not only improve operational safety and efficiency but also maximize cargo volumes, enhancing overall profitability per voyage.
A.P. Moller – Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics, committed to connecting and simplifying its customers’ supply chains. With operations in over 130 countries and a workforce of around 100,000 employees, Maersk is at the forefront of shipping, terminal operations, and logistics solutions.
The company is driving the transition to sustainable shipping, aiming to achieve net-zeroGHG emissionsby 2040 through investments in alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessels, and digital innovation with at least 65% lifecycle emissions reductions, and extensive efficiency measures such as this retrofit programme. Maersk is dedicated to shaping the future of global trade with end-to-end supply chain solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability.
