In a significant step towards carbon-neutral shipping, Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk has christened Ane Maersk, the world’s first large methanol-powered containership.
The naming ceremony took place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. The vessel, with a capacity of 16,000 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit), has been named in honor of Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, the Chair of the A.P. Moller Foundation and A.P. Moller Holding. Ane’s oldest granddaughter served as godmother and christened the vessel by breaking a champagne bottle over the bow.
Ane Maersk is the first of 18 large methanol-enabled vessels that Maersk plans to introduce between 2024 and 2025.
The design of Ane Maersk is unique with its forward bridge and accommodation, which Maersk says allows for greater container capacity and improved port efficiency. The ship’s funnel, situated at the stern, also has a reduced footprint, further maximizing cargo capacity.
Maersk has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across its entire business and has also set ambitious near-term targets for 2030.
Since 2021, Maersk has exclusively ordered new vessels capable of operating green fuels. Its total orderbook now comprises a total of 24 vessels, including 12 with a capacity of 16,000 TEU, six with a capacity of 17,000 TEU, and six with a capacity of 9,000 TEU. All vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines and will have the capability to operate on green methanol.
Ane Maersk will start her maiden voyage on green methanol, commencing service on the AE7 string connecting Asia and Europe in early February.
“This series of vessels will have a transformative impact on our ambition to progress on our industry-leading climate ambitions,” said Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk. “It is a visual and operational proof of our commitment to a more sustainable industry. With “Ane Mærsk” and her sister vessels we are expanding our offer to the growing number of businesses aiming to reduce emissions from their supply chains.”
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