Angelicoussis collaboration with Seatrium for energy solutions

Shipping giant Angelicoussis Group, famed for its impressive fleet of 141 ships operating under Maran Gas, Maran Tankers, and Maran Dry brands, is embarking on what is being hailed as a groundbreaking initiative towards sustainability. Greece’s largest shipping company has recently entered into a significant partnership by signing a “favored customer” contract with Seatrium, marking a pivotal move towards enhancing the environmental performance of a third of the group’s fleet.

In this transformative two-year collaboration, with an option for a one-year extension, Seatrium will undertake the task of retrofitting a selection of vessels, including liquefied natural gas carriers, tankers, and bulk carriers.

The retrofitting process will involve integrating a wide array of low-carbon cleaner energy solutions, and energy-saving technologies.

Angelicoussis Group plans for 10 to 15 vessels per year to undergo this essential enhancement process.

Andreas Spertos, Maran Gas Executive Vice President and Technical Director, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “We are confident that this partnership will be the blueprint for a successful long-term fleet retrofitting program, thereby enhancing our operational efficiency and instilling the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.”

The selection of Seatrium for this pivotal project was based on the company’s proven track record in the field. With over 70 successful retrofits for the fleet since 2012, including retrofitting 20 of Angelicoussis’ LNG carriers and installing scrubbers on its tanker fleet, Seatrium demonstrated its competence in executing such complex projects.

Alvin Gan, Seatrium Executive Vice President, Repairs and Upgrades, highlighted the significance of this contract by stating, “This favored customer contract not only affirms our leadership in the global ship repair market but also our commitment to embarking on a shared journey of growth, trust, and mutual success with our new partner.”

This groundbreaking refit project stands as one of the largest of its kind and underlines the challenges that shipping companies confront in meeting evolving regulations. With the introduction of new carbon and emissions regulations such as the IMO’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the annual operational carbon intensity indicator (CII) and CII rating, existing fleets necessitate new technologies or operational adjustments to align with these standards.

Moreover, the initiative of converting container carriers to use cleaner fuels has gained momentum. Notable players like Maersk, Seaspan, and Hapag-Lloyd are spearheading large-scale refit programs to adopt dual-fuel methanol capabilities, showcasing a collective effort towards sustainable practices within the shipping industry.

Amidst its commitment to sustainability, Angelicoussis Group continues to invest in the retrofitting of vessels while concurrently pursuing a rapid fleet expansion program, with 24 vessels currently under construction. These newbuilds in Korean and Chinese shipyards include LNG carriers and LNG-powered Suezmax tankers, solidifying the company’s position as a key player in the shipping industry among Greek shipowners.