Upgrading the capacity of existing ships remains a popular strategy among major shipowners, in addition to newbuilding programs.
At least three significant retrofitting projects are currently underway or have recently been completed:
- MSC is enhancing its “MSC Oskar” class vessels, increasing capacity from 19,224 TEU to 20,100 TEU by raising the lashing bridges, allowing for additional deck-stowed containers.
- Hapag-Lloyd is upgrading seven “C” class vessels by elevating the deckhouse and lashing bridges, expanding their capacity from 9,200 TEU to 11,200 TEU.
- SFL Corporation, a non-operating owner, has finalized modifications to four vessels operated by Maersk, raising their capacity from 8,700 TEU to 9,500 TEU through similar structural enhancements.
