A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has named its newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel in Mumbai as a part of the vessel’s maiden voyage to India.
The vessel, named Albert Maersk, is the 11th vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on methanol.
India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said: “It is a privilege for India to host the naming of this advanced dual-fuel vessel, a historic first for a foreign shipping company in our country. With the demand for green vessels rising, India has the potential to become a major producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-based fuels. Maersk’s decision to focus on green fuel production in India is a welcome step that will accelerate our journey towards a sustainable maritime future. This vessel naming is more than just a tradition—it is a symbol of trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. As India moves towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse, we welcome Maersk’s continued partnership in green shipping, green fuel production, and logistics.”
A.P. Moller – Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc added: “Maersk continues to take firm steps towards decarbonising shipping with the addition of one more dual-fuel vessel to its fleet. India is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with a thriving manufacturing sector, a booming e-commerce industry, and expanding exports. Shipping and logistics are high on India’s priorities, and Maersk looks forward to partnering with India on various aspects, such as exploring the potential sourcing of alternative fuels for low-emissions shipping and activities involving ship repairs and shipbuilding in the future that align well with the Indian Government’s ambitions to promote the shipping sector.”
Maersk’s footprint in India includes two APM Terminals operations in Mumbai and Pipavav that facilitate the import and export of over 3m containers every year, 26 warehouses, and a distribution network that reaches more than 80% of India. During the name-giving ceremony, Maersk announced that the company sees an investment opportunity pipeline of about US$ 5bn in ports and terminals as well as landside infrastructure development in India.
Keith Svendsen, CEO APM Terminals, said: “We believe we can play a role in reducing the cost of logistics by ensuring that our customers access all their supply chain needs in one place – from all modes of transportation to port handling to warehousing and distribution. As APM Terminals, we are ready to invest more in developing ports with low emissions and great efficiency that will help businesses grow and connect India with the global markets.”
Albert Maersk is part of a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, the vessel can carry 16,592 TEU. The use of bio- and e-methanol can reduce GHG emissions by at least 65% compared to conventional fossil fuels, calculated on a life cycle basis). Maersk has been urging the IMO member states to adopt strong regulations to push the industry forward towards its climate targets, believing it to be critically important that IMO regulation is fuel-agnostic, allowing for a multi-fuel future for shipping and by closing the price gap between fossil and alternative fuels.
Image: ‘Albert Maersk’ naming in Mumbai (source: A.P. Moller-Maersk)
