Hapag-Lloyd is investing in measures to upgrade more than 150 ships within the next five years, with the aim of cutting fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions.
The first step in the fleet upgrade programme is now underway with the loading of the first retrofit propeller in the Port of Hamburg. The goal is to technically modernise the existing fleet. The propeller, which has been optimised for energy efficiency by German manufacturer MMG, will be installed on Hapag-Lloyd’s 7,500 TEU Ningbo Express in Dubai in September. As a result, the ship will save between 10% and 13% fuel and CO2 emissions, depending on the sailing condition. In total, there are plans to equip at least 86 ships with similar new and more efficient propellers. At the same time, 36 vessels will receive a new, flow-optimised bulbous bow. During the scheduled dry dock stays, a resistance-reducing coat of antifouling paint will be applied to all vessels on the part of the exterior hull beneath the waterline. Most of the measures will be carried out by 2025 and make a significant contribution to helping the company to achieve its climate targets.
COO Dr Maximilian Rothkopf said: “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. To do so, we are investing in new future-proof ships while simultaneously focusing on making our existing fleet fit for the future. The Fleet Upgrade Programme will boost the energy efficiency of the entire fleet.”
The programme represents an investment in the three-digit million range. Together with the €2 billion order for 12 LNG ships placed two years ago, this large-scale measure is said to demonstrate that Hapag-Lloyd is rigorously investing in sustainable, competitive ship operations for the long term.
