Danish shipping group Maersk has launched the world’s first large container ship powered by methanol, marking a significant step towards CO2-neutral shipping. The 16,000 TEU capacity vessel, named Ane Maersk, was christened at the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in South Korea, with Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, chair of the AP Moller Foundation and AP Moller Holding, honored as the ship’s namesake. The design of Ane Maersk features a unique forward bridge and accommodations, allowing for greater container capacity and improved port efficiency.
Maersk plans to introduce a total of 18 large methanol-powered ships between 2024 and 2025, as part of its commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its business by 2040. The company has also set ambitious short-term targets for 2030 and has only ordered new ships that can run on environmentally friendly fuels since 2021. The ships will be equipped with dual-fuel engines and can run on green methanol. Ane Maersk will begin service on the AE7 route between Asia and Europe in early February, using green methanol for its maiden voyage.
Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of AP Moller-Maersk, stated that the launch of Ane Mærsk and her sister ships will have a transformative impact on the company’s commitment to advancing industry-leading climate goals. He emphasized that the ships demonstrate Maersk’s commitment to a more sustainable industry and expand the company’s offering to companies seeking to reduce emissions from their supply chains.
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