Clean methanol ships

In the first quarter of 2024, A.P. Moller – Maersk will introduce the first in a series of eight large dual-fuel container vessels capable of being operated on carbon neutral methanol. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the vessels will have a nominal capacity of approx. 16,000 TEUs.

“We are very excited about this addition to our fleet, which will offer our customers unique access to carbon neutral transport on the high seas while balancing their needs for competitive slot costs and flexible operations,” said Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO, fleet & strategic brands, A.P. Moller – Maersk.

“To us, this is the ideal large vessel type to enable sustainable, global trade on the high seas in the coming decades and from our dialogue with potential suppliers, we are confident we will manage to source the carbon neutral methanol needed.”

Cutting 1m tonnes of CO2

The agreement with HHI includes an option for four additional vessels in 2025. The series will replace older vessels, generating annual CO2 emissions savings of around 1m tonnes.

The vessels will feature a methanol propulsion configuration developed in collaboration with makers including MAN ES, Hyundai (Himsen) and Alfa Laval.

Maersk will operate the vessels on carbon neutral e-methanol or sustainable bio-methanol as soon as possible. Sourcing an adequate amount of carbon neutral methanol from day one in service will be challenging, as it requires a significant production ramp up of proper carbon neutral methanol production, for which Maersk continues to engage in partnerships and collaborations with relevant players.