Seaspan Corporation, world’s leading independent owner, operator and manager of containerships, has placed an order with MacGregor for cargo system update of its eleven 10,000 TEU container vessels. Seven of the ships were returned to Seaspan from the bankrupt South Korean container carrier Hanjin Shipping and four of the ships are in final stage at the shipyard.
The work will be carried out under a MacGregor Cargo Boost service, which is designed to improve cargo carrying efficiency and the earning potential of existing container vessels. The upgrades include an individual plan for these vessels with focus on improving the vessel’s earning potential resulting in efficient, modern and attractive fleet for today’s challenging market. In addition to cargo efficiency upgrades, Seaspan also implemented other structural changes to improve the fuel efficiency as well.
The works on the ex-Hanjin vessels were started 20th January 2017 at three repair yards in Zhoushan area and the last vessel will be completed by the end of March 2017. The remaining four ships will be upgraded within April 2017. Some of the vessels have already returned to service.
“Market conditions and technology are always evolving; in this fleet upgrade program, we have taken advantage of the latest technology to deliver more competitive ships for our clients. We trusted MacGregor because of our long co-operation and their ability deliver the overall cargo system upgrade from design and hardware to training and the software in form of Interschalt MACS3 loading computer, says Peter Jackson, Vice President, Projects and Technology of Seaspan.”
“The configuration for each upgrade case may be different, but all are designed to maximise the vessel’s earning potential and bringing those to par with newer vessels. It is a combination of mechanical and engineering solutions together with software and trainings. The main target is to deliver greater cargo system flexibility to allow a wider range of containerised cargoes, summarises Leif Byström, Senior Vice President, Cargo Handling Division at MacGregor.”
The contracts were signed in December 2016 and January 2017 and reported accordingly.
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