Maersk's methanol ship to set sail
Maersk is planning to introduce its first large methanol-capable ship in spring 2024, to serve Hamburg on the AE7 route between Asia and Europe. The 16,000-teu vessel, constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries, is equipped with a dual-fuel engine that operates on methanol, biodiesel, or traditional bunker fuel. This move is part of Maersk's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 in all its sectors.
The company has secured enough green methanol for the ship's maiden voyage and is developing sourcing solutions for its methanol-capable fleet for 2024-25. The ship's unique design, with a forward-positioned bridge and stern-placed chimney, maximises container loading capacity, compensating for the larger tank size required for methanol.
Methanol has only about half the energy content of fossil ship fuel. However, depending on the source of the green methanol used, it offers a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of from 65% to over 90% on a life-cycle basis.
This design innovation supports Maersk's goal to decarbonise supply chains. Additionally, Maersk has ordered 24 dual-fuel engine containerships that can operate on green methanol to further enhance its environmental efforts. (pb)