Maersk's first Green Methanol Vessel - On her maiden Voyage
The world’s first container ship powered entirely by “green methanol” fuel is halfway through its maiden voyage from South Korea to Denmark. The electric blue, 172-metre-long ship is the first of 25 methanol-powered container ships ordered by the Danish shipping giant Maersk. The ship can run on both methanol and low-sulphur fuel oil, and it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional vessels. Maersk has identified its partners to produce green fuel for its first vessel to operate on carbon-neutral methanol: REintegrate, a subsidiary of the Danish renewable energy company European Energy.
“With this vessel, we have taken an important step in our journey towards net zero emissions. Our hope is to show the way – not only for Maersk but for the entire logistics industry.”
… said Vincent Clerc, CEO, A.P. Moller – Maersk.
To showcase the magnitude of the voyage, after the ship set sail, Maersk launched an official countdown in their website until the vessel docks at Copenhagen.
The vessel has a length of 172 meters and a beam of 105 feet 3. It has a capacity of 2,100 TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent) including 400 reefer units. The vessel’s propulsion configuration was developed by MAN Energy Solutions and Hyundai Engine and Machinery for the main engine, with a Himsen auxiliary engine developed in collaboration with Hyundai Mipo and Maersk. The vessel is projected to have a top speed of 18 knots.
Maersk has ordered a total of 25 methanol-powered container ships, including the world’s first container ship powered entirely by “green methanol” fuel. The company has stated that it aims to have carbon-neutral vessels in operation by 2030. Maersk has also announced that it will be investing in the production of green methanol, which is produced from renewable sources such as biomass and renewable electricity. The company has identified its partners to produce green fuel for its first vessel to operate on carbon-neutral methanol: REintegrate, a subsidiary of the Danish renewable energy company European Energy.
Maersk is one of the first companies to invest in methanol-powered vessels, and it is leading the way in this direction. However, other companies are also exploring the use of methanol as a fuel for their ships. For example, Stena Bulk has ordered two methanol-powered tankers, and Waterfront Shipping has a fleet of methanol-powered tankers. Methanol is considered a promising alternative to traditional fuels because it can be produced from renewable sources such as biomass and renewable electricity. It is also less polluting than traditional fuels and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.