The 350-meter-long vessel, operational by February, marks a significant step in Maersk’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, aligning with the International Maritime Organisation’s target. Pressure from major customers like Amazon and Ikea has led shipping firms to overhaul fleets, with Maersk planning to have 25 green methanol-powered vessels by 2027.
The Ane Maersk, built by Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, has a capacity for 16,592 containers and will operate on routes connecting China, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Maersk’s ambitious plan involves having 25 percent of transported volume using green fuels by 2030.
The company has already purchased 500,000 metric tons of green methanol annually from a Chinese firm. The billionaire family behind Maersk is also establishing a company with a production capacity exceeding 3 million tons by 2030.
While more than 150 container ships with green propulsion are expected by 2027, methanol-powered ships represent just 9.4 percent of the total order book as of 2023. The maritime industry faces challenges in scaling production to meet the demand for green fuels. Maersk is exploring alternative fuels such as ammonia and considering electrification to achieve its sustainability goals.
HD Hyundai, the shipbuilder for Maersk’s methanol-powered fleet, anticipates over 70 percent of vessel orders targeted for 2024 to be fueled by green technologies. The transition to eco-friendly vessels is in its early stages, with shipping firms evaluating the most effective mix for their fleets. The industry expects a rising demand for environmentally friendly vessels as companies weigh the potential penalties for not adopting green technologies.
