Maersk achieves a significant milestone with the arrival of Astrid Maersk at Shanghai’s Yangshan port for the first green methanol bunkering.
Maersk has reached a notable milestone with the inaugural green methanol bunkering of the large vessel Astrid Maersk at Yangshan Port in Shanghai, China. This historic event, made possible through collaboration with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), underscores Maersk’s commitment to sustainability and its long-standing partnership with China in facilitating international trade.
Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of Maersk, highlighted the company’s century-long dedication to supporting China’s foreign trade and emphasised the significance of transitioning towards sustainable practices. The deployment of large methanol-enabled vessels in the Asia-Europe trade not only honors Maersk’s legacy but also marks the beginning of a new era driven by collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders.
Jinshan Gu, Chairman of SIPG, expressed enthusiasm for the joint pursuit of decarbonization goals and emphasised the strategic importance of the green methanol bunkering initiative for Shanghai port. The successful bunkering operation further strengthens Shanghai’s position as a leading regional hub for green fuel infrastructure.
Astrid Maersk’s journey from Yokohama, Japan, to Shanghai, following its recent naming ceremony, symbolises a significant step towards sustainable shipping practices. As the second vessel in Maersk’s fleet of 18 large methanol-enabled ships, scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025, Astrid Maersk represents the company’s commitment to embracing green technologies.
Silvia Ding, Managing Director of Maersk Greater China, highlighted the importance of the first green methanol bunkering in China as a testament to the progress in green infrastructure development. The initiative aligns with Maersk’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and adaptability to address evolving societal, customer, and employee needs.
With sustainability at the forefront of its agenda, Maersk reaffirms its dedication to leading the decarbonisation efforts in global logistics, paving the way for a greener future in maritime transportation.