Seaspan Corporation gets LR AiP for next-gen feeder vessel design

UK classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded approval in principle (AiP) to Hong Kong-based containership lessor Seaspan Corporation for its next-generation feeder ship design.

The vessel, measuring 198 meters in length and developed by Technolog, is future-proofed in its design and can be efficiently converted from LNG to ammonia fuel during its lifetime, trading efficiently in today’s market and being ready for tomorrow’s.

By collaborating with Technolog and LR, Seaspan has developed a solution that meets current market demands and anticipates future challenges and opportunities in the maritime industry. The design of the next-generation feeder Ship showcases the direction that ship design may take in the future.

By completing the AiP process, Seaspan, Technolog, and Lloyd’s Register have laid the groundwork for future advancements in feeder vessel technology in this rapidly evolving space. The project builds on the previous work LR has conducted with Seaspan Corporation.

Seaspan is a founding partner of several LR Safety Tech Accelerator initiatives, including “Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation” and “Cargo Fire and Loss Innovation”. Seaspan and LR are also collaborating on initiatives focusing on how energy transition is affecting seafarer safety.

LR, Seaspan and Technolog all look forward to beginning work on phase 2 of this project, which will be a DF ammonia feeder vessel.

“We are very pleased to grant Approval in Principle to Seaspan for their innovative Next Generation Feeder Vessel Design. This achievement highlights Seaspan’s dedication to excellence and sustainability in maritime transportation and LR remains committed to supporting industry leaders like Seaspan in their pursuit of cutting-edge solutions that drive positive change and set new standards for the future of shipping,” Andy McKeran, Chief Commercial Officer at Lloyd’s Register, commented.

“We are committed to providing creative solutions to our customers in support of their decarbonisation journey and the best way to do this is through partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders such as LR and Technolog. Seaspan and LR have partnered to address important topics for many years, and this is an excellent result of one of those partnerships. Technolog’s input has also provided a creative solution and demonstrated their leadership in the ship design and Feeder Ship segment,” Peter Jackson, SVP of Assets and Technology at Seaspan Corporation, said.

Last month, the Hong Kong-based containership lessor entered into a partnership with German container shipping major Hapag-Lloyd to retrofit and convert five 10,100 TEU boxships powered by conventional S90 engines to dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol. Following the engine retrofit, the vessels will continue to be on long-term charter from Seaspan to Hapag-Lloyd.