A.P. Moller – Maersk, a global leader in container shipping, has announced the order of six mid-sized container vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of operating on green methanol. The order was placed with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, and the vessels, each with a capacity of 9,000 containers (twenty-foot equivalent units), are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027.
The decision to invest in these eco-friendly vessels marks another significant step in Maersk’s ongoing commitment to the green transformation of its fleet and its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
Rabab Boulos, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Maersk, expressed the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “With this order, we take another step in the green transformation of our fleet and towards our target of becoming net-zero in 2040. As with all our other vessel orders for the last two years, these ships will be able to run on green methanol.”
In 2021, Maersk made headlines by ordering the world’s first methanol-enabled container vessel, solidifying its commitment to only procure newbuilt vessels capable of sailing on green fuels.
Boulos highlighted the flexibility and versatility of the new container vessels, stating, “For these six container vessels, we have chosen a design and vessel size which make them very flexible from a deployment point of view. This will allow these vessels to fill many functions in both our current and future network, thereby offering the flexibility our customers demand. Once phased in, they will replace existing capacity in our fleet.”
The first methanol-enabled vessel, a 2,100 TEU feeder vessel, is scheduled for delivery to Maersk later this summer. Meanwhile, the newly ordered vessels will further contribute to reducing Maersk’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. When operating on green methanol, the six vessels will cut approximately 450,000 tons of CO2e emissions per year, based on fuel lifecycle analysis. These vessels will replace existing capacity in Maersk’s fleet, ensuring a greener and more sustainable shipping operation.
The construction of the six vessels will be carried out by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group in China, a trusted partner in Maersk’s pursuit of environmentally responsible shipping practices. As the vessels are delivered and integrated into Maersk’s operations, the company said it will continue to solidify its position as a pioneer in sustainable shipping, leading the way toward a greener future for the industry.
