Maersk Names Third Large Methanol Dual-Fuel Boxship in Denmark

Maersk has introduced the third ship in its series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol container vessels, marking a significant step forward in its fleet modernization efforts. The newly named vessel, Antonia Maersk, was celebrated in a ceremony held in Aarhus, Denmark. The company is eagerly anticipating the naming of the fourth ship in the coming weeks and has also shared plans to focus on transitioning to greener vessels.

At the ceremony, Maersk expressed enthusiasm for the Antonia Maersk, emphasizing its capability to operate on green methanol. The ship was christened by Kirsten Andersen, the wife of Henrik Andersen, CEO of Vestas, a leading Danish wind turbine manufacturer. In line with Maersk’s tradition, the vessel was named after a member of the founding family, specifically Antonia Uggla, the granddaughter of Ane Maersk Mc-Kinney Uggla, who holds significant roles within the A.P. Møller Foundation and A.P. Moller Holding.

This vessel is part of a groundbreaking fleet of methanol-powered ships that are scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. The first two ships, Ane Maersk and Astrid Maersk, were named earlier this year, and the fourth ship’s naming ceremony is planned for late August at the Port of Los Angeles, with Nike as a co-sponsor. These ships feature innovative designs, including a relocated deckhouse and accommodations towards the bow and a funnel positioned on the stern. With a capacity of 16,500 TEU and dual-fuel engines, these vessels can significantly reduce CO2 emissions when operating on methanol.

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Maersk’s CEO, Vincent Clerc, highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions, though he acknowledged the challenges associated with the high cost of green fuels and the difficulty in sourcing enough green methanol. He called for broader cooperation across the industry, stressing that a pricing mechanism is needed to bridge the gap between green and fossil fuels. Clerc also mentioned that, given the challenges, the industry might need to rely on multiple types of fuel in the future.

Looking ahead, Maersk has plans to order 50 to 60 new vessels as part of its fleet replacement strategy, with a goal of reaching 800,000 TEU of capacity by 2030. The company is focusing on a mix of methanol and liquefied gas dual-fuel propulsion systems to achieve its decarbonization goals. Maersk is also working on securing agreements for liquefied bio-methane to ensure the new gas-powered vessels contribute to greenhouse gas reductions in the coming years. For now, the company continues to spotlight its methanol vessels, with five already in service and more on the way.