Maersk Targets 15-20% Alternative Fuels by 2030 for Net Zero Emissions Goals

A.P. Moller-Maersk aims to have alternative fuels make up 15-20% of its marine fuel consumption by 2030 as part of its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Last year, the company consumed between 10 and 11 million metric tons of fuel oil equivalent, with only 3% coming from alternative fuels. The shipping industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 3% of total emissions.

The company plans to use biodiesel, green methanol, and bio-methane as alternative fuels in its vessels. Maersk recently launched a dual-fuel methanol container vessel, part of a fleet of 18 ships to be delivered in the coming years. The vessel has the capacity to carry 16,000 cubic meters of methanol, allowing it to travel between Asia and Europe. Maersk has also secured a contract with a Chinese company to purchase bio-methanol starting in 2026.

While more shippers are investing in methanol dual-fuel vessels, the supply of green methanol has not yet met the demand. Green technologies, including alternative fuels, need to achieve scale and commercial viability to be widely adopted. Maersk is working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish regulations that would increase the cost of traditional fuels and promote the use of cleaner alternatives. The IMO is set to discuss global regulations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry in April.

Source