Setting sail for a greener future – Fleet Upgrade Program transforms seven Sister Vessels

During her 39-day stay at the shipyard, the ship underwent extensive modifications designed to improve fuel efficiency, increase cargo capacity, and reduce emissions. These include: 

1. Installation of a high-efficiency propeller and energy-saving hub cap, in combination with an engine power limitation to maximise the saving potential 
2. Redesigned bulbous bow optimized for real-life operating conditions 
3. Increased draft to enhance cargo capacity 
4. Adding an additional level on 17 of 21 lashing bridges raising container capacity from 9,326 TEU to 11,217 TEU 
5. New void deck section has been inserted, lifting the navigation deck by 6.2 meters to load two additional tiers of containers on deck and to comply with visibility requirements for the vessel’s navigation 
6. Variable frequency drives optimizing energy consumption for cooling water pumps and engine room fans 
7. LED lighting on new lashing bridges to cut electrical consumption 
8. Silicone paint system to reduce frictional resistance and fuel consumption 

Beyond these efficiency measures, additional structural enhancements were necessary to ensure safe operations, including modifications to exhaust gas pipes, accommodation block extensions, and upgrades to fire safety systems. The collaboration between the vessel's dedicated crews, Anglo Eastern as technical vessel managers, our in-house Fleet Management, West East Marine site supervisors, and the local shipyard teams was instrumental in executing these complex modifications to the highest standards, according to the rules and regulations of Lloyd’s Register.

The first three upgraded vessels – “Copiapo”, “Coyhaique”, and “Cautin” - are now back in service. The conversion of the fourth ship, the “Cauquenes”, has been completed by end of April. She is now heading for sea trials. As a result of learning effects and an optimized workflow for all necessary conversion and repair measures, the shipyard time has been reduced from 50 days (1st and 2nd ship) and 60 days (3rd ship - extended yard time was caused by Chinese New Year celebration) to just 39 days.

FUP: C-Class Conversion Timeline

1. "Copiapo": Completed (22.11.2024 – 10.01.2025)
2. "Coyhaique": Completed (08.01.2025 – 28.02.2025)
3. "Cautin": Completed (13.01.2025 – 12.03.2025)
4. "Cauquenes": Completed (21.03.2025 - 29.04.2025)
5. "Cisnes": In shipyard (11.04.2025)
6. "Corcovado": Scheduled arrival (03.05.2025)
7. "Cochrane": Scheduled arrival (07.05.2025)

The ongoing upgrades of the Fleet Upgrade Program are expected to deliver significant improvements in fuel savings and cargo capacity, aligning with our strategic focus on sustainability and operational efficiency. You can find more information on the C-Class vessels here.