Maersk welcomes new European source of e-methanol

In a significant step toward sustainable shipping, the world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol plant commenced operations in Denmark yesterday. Developed by European Energy and operated in partnership with Mitsui & Co, the facility in Aabenraa is set to supply A.P. Moller – Maersk, marking a pivotal moment in the transition to alternative fuels for maritime transport.

A New Era for Renewable Energy in Shipping

The Kassø e-methanol facility boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 42,000 tonnes and relies entirely on renewable energy sources. Located adjacent to Northern Europe’s largest solar park, the 304 MW Kassø Solar Park, this innovative plant integrates large-scale renewable power generation with advanced carbon capture and utilization technology. This synergy not only enhances energy efficiency but also supports the global push for reduced carbon emissions in the shipping industry.

E-Fuels projected to be available for next Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) tender

Rabab Raafat Boulos, Chief Operating Officer at A.P. Moller – Maersk, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, “We are excited to receive the first e-methanol from the Kassø facility, marking an important milestone in our global efforts to source alternative fuels for our vessel fleet.” Boulos emphasized that the future of shipping will require a diverse range of fuel types to achieve net-zero ambitions, highlighting methanol’s crucial role in this transition.

The Laura Maersk, the company’s inaugural methanol dual-fuelled vessel, is set to utilize fuel from the new plant this week. This milestone reflects Maersk’s commitment to pioneering sustainable practices within the shipping sector and demonstrates the potential for renewable energy to reshape the industry’s future.