Maersk orders six methanol-ready vessels

Danish shipping major A.P. Moller – Maersk has ordered six additional dual-fuel mid-size container vessels that can run on green methanol.

PHOTO: A model of A.P. Moller-Maersk’s dual-fuelled methanol feeder vessel. A.P. Moller-Maersk

The 9,000-TEU capacity vessels will be constructed by the Chinese shipbuilders Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and are expected to be delivered between 2026 and March 2027.

Maersk ordered its first methanol-capable container vessels in 2021 and has signed offtake agreements with 10 methanol producers to procure bio- and e-methanol for its fleet of 25 methanol-powered dual-fuel vessels on order.

The first 2,100-TEU methanol-powered feeder vessel is expected to be delivered to Maersk by the end of 2023.

“Once phased in, they will replace existing capacity in our fleet,” said the Chief Infrastructure Officer at Maersk Rabab Boulos.

Last week, Maersk revealed plans to retrofit one of its existing vessels with a dual-fuel engine which can run on methanol or conventional marine fuels. It is expected to be retrofitted by next year, followed by other sister vessels in 2027.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online