On 28 February, Maersk celebrated the name-giving of its newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel in Mumbai, as a part of the vessel’s maiden voyage to India.
The vessel, named Albert Maersk, is the eleventh vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on methanol. Meanwhile, on the backdrop of the name-giving ceremony, Maersk announced that the company sees an investment opportunity pipeline of about USD 5 billion in ports and terminals as well as landside infrastructure development in India.
With the demand for green vessels rising, India has the potential to become a major producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-based fuels. Maersk’s decision to focus on green fuel production in India is a welcome step that will accelerate our journey towards a sustainable maritime future.
‘Albert Maersk’ is part of a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, she can carry 16,592 standard containers (TEU). The delivery of the dual-fuel fleet is a significant component of Maersk’s decarbonisation goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040.
Additionally, the company recently announced that by the end of 2025, it aims to have 19 dual-fuel methanol container vessels in operation, marking a significant step toward reducing emissions.
Vincent Clerc, CEO, A.P. Moller – Maersk, hosted the name-giving ceremony, which was attended by the Honourable Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, diplomats, government authorities, customers, partners and Maersk employees.
Shipping and logistics are high on India’s priorities, and Maersk looks forward to partnering with India on various aspects, such as exploring the potential sourcing of alternative fuels for low-emissions shipping and activities involving ship repairs and shipbuilding in the future that align well with the Indian Government’s ambitions to promote the shipping sector.
Meanwhile, Keith Svendsen, the CEO of APM Terminals, stated that they were ready to invest more in developing ports with low emissions and high efficiency, which will help businesses grow and connect India with global markets.
