Hapag-Lloyd’s future-proof 16,800 TEU boxships to feature TMC technology

Norway’s TMC Compressors has been selected to supply a complete compressed air system for a dozen alternative fuel-ready containerships being constructed for German shipping titan Hapag-Lloyd in China.

As disclosed, China’s Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding is currently building the twelve 16,800 TEU vessels, which are due to be handed over between 2027 and 2029.

Nearly exactly one year ago, Hapag-Lloyd had ordered 24 LNG dual-fuel boxships worth a staggering $4 billion. The booking was split between two Chinese yards: Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group—the parent of Jiangsu New Yangzi—and New Times Shipbuilding. In February this year, the company confirmed that it had secured long-term green financing for the units.

Under the scope of the contract signed between TMC Compressors and Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding, the Oslo-headquartered marine technology player is to deliver compressed air systems for each of the future-proof boxships consisting of a pair of compressors, including one frequency-controlled compressor to the onboard selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

A SCR solution is an exhaust after-treatment technology that is used on ships to cut down on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from engines.

In addition to this, Hapag-Lloyd’s twelve containerships are to be handed over fitted with low-emission high-pressure liquefied gas dual-fuel engines as well as with the ability to run on biomethane and be converted to operate on ammonia in the future.

As informed, together with TMC’s solutions, the amalgamation of technology is expected to allow the newbuilds to achieve ‘tremendous’ reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants.

Specifically, thanks to ammonia, the container vessels could nearly completely eliminate pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2) and significantly reduce sulfur oxides (SOx), while biomethane—a drop-in fuel—could accomplish well-to-wake reductions in GHG emissions of up to 80-100% compared to conventional fuel sources.

According to the Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd, the maritime transport major presently operates a roster that encompasses 305 containerships with a total transport capacity of around 2.5 million TEUs.

Over the past couple of years, the company has shown an increased appetite for building (and owning) an eco-friendly fleet, with a particular focus on alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas, methanol, and others.

To remind, in mid-June this year, Hapag-Lloyd welcomed the twelfth and final vessel of its Hamburg Express class, the 23,664 TEU Wilhelmshaven Express. The unit, built by South Korea’s shipbuilding heavyweight Hanwha Ocean, was officially christened at the end of October,