Methanol-powered container ship now in regular service
Maersk Deploys Largest Methanol-Powered Ship on Gothenburg-Asia Route
Maersk has expanded its fleet of eco-friendly ships by deploying the largest methanol-powered vessel, Antonia Maersk, on the transoceanic route between the Port of Gothenburg and Asia. This addition marks a significant step in sustainable shipping, with the Port of Gothenburg now hosting two methanol-powered container ships. The Antonia Maersk, with a capacity of 16,592 TEU, was christened in August in Aarhus and is currently servicing the AE5/Albatross route, which plays a crucial role in Scandinavian trade, connecting the region with Southeast Asia.
Powered by bio-methanol, Antonia Maersk significantly reduces its environmental impact, cutting daily carbon dioxide emissions by 280 tons, equivalent to the emissions of a truck and trailer circling the globe six times. This deployment follows the earlier introduction of the smaller methanol-powered vessel, Laura Maersk, which operates on an intra-European route between Gothenburg and Bremerhaven.
Methanol is a liquid fuel that can be handled safely at normal temperatures, a process that the Port of Gothenburg has been managing since 2015. By using bio-methanol, these ships reduce carbon emissions by about 65% compared to traditional fuels. As the global shipping industry continues its transition to greener alternatives, methanol-powered vessels now make up approximately 10% of new ship orders, with around 300 more expected to join the fleet in the coming years.
The Port of Gothenburg is committed to supporting this green transition by positioning itself as Scandinavia’s leading hub for renewable fuels. With systematic efforts to enhance the infrastructure for renewable energy storage and handling, the port aims to play a key role in the global shift towards more sustainable maritime transport.
