Maersk extends order for methanol-fueled vessels

Six further ocean-going cargo vessels that can run on green methanol have been ordered by Maersk from ship builder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Each 17,000 TEU vessel benefits from a dual-fuel engine which enables sustainable maritime operations and an estimated CO2 saving of 800,000 metric tons each year between the six ships. The vessels will replace existing capacity within Maersk’s fleet.

Benchmarked against conventional fuel capabilities, additional capital expenditure for the methanol dual-fuel capability is in the range of 8-12%, an improvement compared to eight vessels ordered by Maersk in 2021 which feature the same technology.

The six ships are all scheduled to be delivered in 2025 and will sail under the Danish flag.

To date, Maersk has ordered a total of 19 vessels with dual-fuel engines which are capable of running on green methanol. When all of the ordered vessels are carrying out operations, Maersk estimates the vessels will generate a yearly CO2 emissions savings of 2.3 million metric tons.

“Our customers are looking to us to decarbonize their supply chains, and these six vessels able to operate on green methanol will further accelerate the efforts to offer our customers climate neutral transport,” said Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of fleet and strategic brands, Maersk.

“Green methanol is the best scalable green fuel solution for this decade, and we are excited to see several other shipowners choosing this path,” added Palle Laursen, chief fleet and technical Officer, Maersk. “It adds further momentum to the rapid scaling of availability needed to bring down the premium on green methanol and accelerate the evolution of climate neutral shipping.”