Hapag-Lloyd announced that it is undertaking a fleet upgrade program for more than 150 ships in its fleet in a bid to lower fuel consumption and reduce its CO2 emissions.

The German international shipping and container transportation company said the loading of the first retrofit propeller in the Port of Hamburg, signals the launch of its comprehensive Fleet Upgrade Program.

Fleet modernisation plan

"The goal is to technically modernise the existing fleet," Hapag-Lloyd said in a statement, noting that the propeller, which has been optimised for energy efficiency by the German manufacturer MMG, will be installed on Hapag-Lloyd’s 7,500 TEU "Ningbo Express" in Dubai in September.

As a result, Hapag-Lloyd noted that the ship will save between 10% to 13% fuel and CO² emissions, depending on the sailing condition.

"In total, there are plans to equip at least 86 ships with the new and more efficient propellers. At the same time, 36 vessels will receive a new, flow-optimised bulbous bow," the shipping line added.

During the scheduled dry dock stays, a resistance-reducing coat of anti-fouling paint will also be applied to all vessels on the part of the exterior hull beneath the waterline.

Hapag-Lloyd noted that most of the measures will be carried out by 2025 and make a significant contribution to helping the company to achieve its climate targets.

Carbon neutrality goal

"We aim to be climate-neutral by 2045. To reach this goal, we have set ourselves the interim target of reducing the CO2 intensity of our own ships by 30% already by 2030," said Dr Maximilian Rothkopf, COO of Hapag-Lloyd AG. 

"To do so, we are investing in new future-proof ships while simultaneously focusing on making our existing fleet fit for the future," Rothkopf added, noting that the Fleet Upgrade Program will boost the energy efficiency of the entire fleet.

Hapag-Lloyd said the investment volume of the Fleet Upgrade Program will be in the "three-digit million range" without specifying the actual cost.

"Together with the €2 billion order for 12 LNG ships placed two years ago, this large-scale measure demonstrates that Hapag-Lloyd is rigorously investing in sustainable, competitive ship operations for the long term," it added.