A.P. Moller-Maersk is about to launch its first large vessel enabled by methanol, which is a big step toward meeting its goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
The ship will launch on February 9, 2024, and will travel the AE7 string, linking significant ports in Europe and Asia, beginning in Ningbo, China.
Built in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the container ship has a nominal capacity of 16,000 containers (TEU). It is outfitted with a dual-fuel engine that can run on conventional bunker fuel, biodiesel, or methanol.
Chief Commercial Officer of Maersk Karsten Kildahl highlighted the importance of launching the first sizeable methanol-enabled ship on the Asia-Europe trade lane, pointing out its significant influence on clients’ supply chain decarbonization initiatives.
In 2024, Maersk intends to increase the number of methanol-capable ships it operates on different trade routes.
Before deployment, the ship will have its formal name at the shipyard in late January 2024. The first half of 2024 will see the deployment of additional sister vessels, with naming ceremonies set for Yokohama, Japan, and Los Angeles, USA.
Maersk also plans to take delivery of four other sister vessels in the second half of 2024.
This ship will be the second container ship in the world to operate on green methanol when it sets out on its first voyage; the other is the feeder ship Laura Maersk, which started operations in September of the previous year.
