CMA CGM and Maersk to collaborate in reducing shipping emissions

Two of the world's biggest container shipping companies, CMA CGM and Maersk, have joined hands to reduce emissions in the shipping industry.

PHOTO: Maersk's recently launched 2,100 TEU capacity dual-fuelled methanol feeder vessel -Laura Maersk. A.P. Moller-Maersk

The duo plan to support the use of methanol and research other potential fuels, such as ammonia, to meet the objective of net zero emissions by the middle of the century.

Maersk has been focusing on producing "green methanol" and recently established a new company, C2X, to produce green methanol and support their upcoming methanol-powered fleet. Meanwhile, CMA CGM has been using LNG-propelled vessels and has placed orders for ships that can use bio/e-methanol.

Both companies believe that methanol and LNG-powered vessels are currently the most mature solutions available. However, they expect that new greener fuel streams will be developed in the coming years.

Their partnership aims to develop standards for operating green methanol vessels and making ports ready to bunker ships with methanol. Additionally, the firms will explore research on other potential fuel solutions such as ammonia, or new technology for vessels.

Currently, the shipping industry is facing the challenge of deciding how to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century through the adoption of appropriate fuels and vessel technology.

Maersk has ordered 24 dual-fuel methanol containerships that will be delivered between 2024 and 2027 and plans to retrofit existing ships with methanol.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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