Container shipping major Maersk accelerates the efforts to decarbonise marine operations with the launch of the world’s first carbon neutral liner vessel in 2023, seven years ahead of the initial 2030-ambition.
As the company explained, all future Maersk-owned new buildings will have dual fuel technology installed, in order to enable either carbon neutral operations or operation on standard very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).
“A.P. Moller – Maersk’s ambition is to lead the way in decarbonising global logistics. Our customers expect us to help them decarbonise their global supply chains, and we are embracing the challenge, working on solving the practical, technical and safety challenges inherent in the carbon neutral fuels we need in the future”.
….as Søren Skou, CEO, A.P. Moller – Maersk, stated.
To remind, Maerk’s ambition is to have a carbon neutral fleet by 2050, a challenging, yet achievable target to reach.
For the record, Maersk’s methanol feeder vessel will have a capacity of around 2000 TEU and be deployed in one of its intra-regional networks.
At the same time, the vessel will be able to operate on standard VLSFO, while the plan is to operate the vessel on carbon neutral e-methanol or sustainable bio-methanol from day one.
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Both the methanol-fueled feeder vessel and the decision to install dual fuel engines on future newbuildings are part of Maersk’s ongoing fleet replacement. CAPEX implications will be manageable and are included in current guidance.
“It will be a significant challenge to source an adequate supply of carbon neutral methanol within our timeline to pioneer this technology. We believe our aspiration to put the world’s first carbon neutral liner vessel in operation by 2023 is the best way to kick start the rapid scaling of carbon neutral fuels we will need”.
….Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Fleet & Strategic Brands, A.P. Moller – Maersk, concluded.
From its part, The Methanol Institute, which advocates for the adoption of Methanol as a fuel in marine transport, welcomed the announcement.
Maersk is once again showing industry leadership in adopting renewable Methanol as a key plank in its strategy towards carbon neutrality. Methanol is proven as a clean, efficient and safe marine fuel that offers immediate decarbonization benefits to vessel operators with substantial net GHG reductions, full compliance with IMO2020 and a pathway that leads to net carbon neutrality as production of renewable Methanol grows,
…said Chris Chatterton, Chief Operating Officer of the Methanol Institute.
The Methanol Institute is a shortlisted nominee at the 2021 GREEN4SEA Clean Shipping Award category, for promoting methanol’s environmental and economic advantages and presenting methanol as an attractive alternative fuel for ships.
