Environmental
As a leader in the maritime industry, Seaspan recognizes that a sustainable business model must be founded on strong and consistent policies and principles to protect the global environment. Through technological advances and customer and industry partnerships, we are doing our part in controlling emissions, managing waste, and preserving local biodiversity. While present programs are outlined in our Sustainability Report, the pursuit of new initiatives to further improve environmental performance continues.

Shipping represents one of the most efficient and cost-effective modes of transportation, and accounts for more than 80% of global trade by volume. Seaspan recognizes the importance of developing and promoting sustainable shipping practices, and leveraging its fully integrated operating platform and expertise to address the environmental impacts of its business. Seaspan aims to contribute to environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient development in the industry, a commitment that goes beyond meeting environmental laws and regulations.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND EMISSIONS
Seaspan’s emissions performance is influenced by vessel design, travel speed, trade route, cargo carried and continuous efficiency updates and vessel modifications developed through its asset development program. Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction (“SAVER”), is Seaspan’s eco-vessel initiative, geared toward vessel efficiency and optimization through various vessel design and equipment enhancements. Seaspan has invested heavily in vessel enhancements, including, amongst others, optimized hull, rudder and propeller designs, efficient engines and auxiliary machinery, and optimized cargo loadability. These all serve to maximize vessel efficiency for customers, and minimize impact on the environment
Based on the Fourth International Maritime Organization (“IMO”) Report, shipping contributes approximately 3% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. In 2018, the IMO announced targets to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from the shipping sector by at least 50% by 2050, and achieve zero GHG emissions as soon as possible, in this century. The IMO also set a target to reduce vessel carbon intensity by 40% by 2030, and by 70% by 2050. Seaspan has taken the following steps to decrease its emissions:
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ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY
According to the World Economic Forum, more than half of global GDP is reportedly dependent on a functioning biodiversity and ecosystem. A decline in biodiversity due to collapsing ecosystems would threaten economies around the world. It is estimated that a fifth of countries globally (20%) are at risk. The World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Risk Report ranks biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse as one of the top five risks in terms of likelihood and impact in the coming 10 years.
Seaspan is taking action to limit the impact of its business on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, as outlined below.
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CONTAINER LOSS OVERBOARD
Container loss overboard a ship presents a unique marine pollution hazard. The nature and extent of marine pollution from lost containers at sea varies according to their contents. In addition to the threat of contamination posed by the contents of a container, the body and coatings of the container also poses an environmental hazard.
To address this issue, Seaspan brings together several programs and systems. Examples include: application of best management practices and procedures, regular crew training, up-to-date lashing software, onboard maintenance regime and third-party inspections. In combination these measures have resulted in Seaspan not having lost any containers at sea since 2012.
SHIP RECYCLING
Ship recycling enables the reuse of a significant portion of a ship’s structure by weight, through careful dismantling. The ship recycling industry actively supports many developing countries’ economies and is an important contributor to sustainability efforts, due to its role in recycling metals and other components. However, ship recycling must be performed according to strict standards that protect human health, safety, and the environment. Every year, hundreds of ships are dismantled in poor environmental and social conditions by workers receiving low pay, often with inadequate tools and little protection. Without rigorous processes and strong governance, the process can also cause significant pollution, offsetting the environmental benefits of ship recycling.
The IMO’s Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, introduced in 2009 (the Hong Kong Convention), aims to protect workers and the environment during the ship recycling process.
Seaspan has developed its Ship Recycling Policy and all Seaspan vessels maintain certification required by the Hong Kong Convention. Furthermore, the company’s purchase process ensures that hazardous materials, noted in the governing legislation, are properly identified, declared and an accurate inventory of hazardous materials is maintained.
Seaspan is committed to safe, sustainable, socially responsible recycling of ships and strives to ensure that recycling of any of its ships performed at shipyards does not present any unnecessary risk to human health and safety, and the environment.
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To learn more about Seaspan’s sustainable shipping practices, please explore our Sustainability Report found here as a PDF. |