Hapag-Lloyd vessels record 5% lower bunker fuel use through engine optimisation

Accelleron on Thursday (19 March) said it has conducted Engine Part Load Optimisation (EPLO) projects with HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS) on two vessels owned by leading container line Hapag-Lloyd. 

The 14,000 TEU Basle Express and Essen Express had main engine tunings and turbocharger components modified for lower engine loads, with sea trials and subsequent operations showing fuel savings of more than 10g/kWh—equivalent to 5% of overall consumption in specific load ranges.

“Accelleron and HMS’s EPLO product ensures that vessels operating at engine speeds lower than their original design, for example to comply with energy efficiency regulations as well as to reduce carbon cost exposure, run as efficiently as possible,” Accelleron said on its website. 

The two Hapag-Lloyd vessels had recently been retrofitted with hull and propeller enhancements to achieve required speed using significantly less power. 

“With EPLO and turbocharger cut-outs, the vessels can still deliver required propulsion power when needed, while adding further fuel savings on top of those gained from their earlier retrofits,” Accelleron said.

The vessels were optimised in a highly efficient project, after previous technical evaluation, with commissioning completed just four weeks after the initial orders were placed. 

“Following the positive results, Hapag-Lloyd will extend implementation for the remaining eight vessels in its Dortmund Express class fleet,” it added.

Photo credit: Hapag-Lloyd
Published: 24 March, 2026