Maersk Says Zero-Emissions Shipping Push Needs Government Support
PORTS & SHIPPING

Maersk Says Zero-Emissions Shipping Push Needs Government Support

The Alette Maersk made history as the first container vessel powered by low-carbon methanol fuel to cross the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant milestone in the shipping industry's efforts to mitigate its climate impact.

However, upon arriving at the Port of Los Angeles from China last week, the 1,148-foot (350-metre) vessel faced a challenge: there were no available sources of green fuel in the US, necessitating a reliance on petroleum-based maritime fuel for its return journey.

During a day-long ship naming event, representatives from AP Moller-Maersk highlighted the urgent need for more affordable green fuel to enable the industry, which contributes nearly 3 per cent of global greenhouse gases, to decarbonize at the required rate to combat climate change, as advised by scientists and world governments.

Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that "we're on a clock." Maersk is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and has positioned itself as a leader in the energy transition within its sector, with five green methanol ships already operational and another 20 on order.

Despite these advancements, the new vessels represent only a small fraction of Maersk's fleet of 700 owned and chartered ships. The new ships are also dual-fuelled, allowing them to operate on fossil fuels when green methanol is too costly or unavailable.

Green methanol, which can be produced from agricultural and food waste or through carbon dioxide and hydrogen using renewable electricity, currently costs two to three times more than fossil fuels. Maersk representatives noted that global production of green methanol is still very limited. However, China's Goldwind has committed to supplying green methanol for the first of Maersk's 12 large ocean-going vessels scheduled to use this fuel, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.


The Alette Maersk made history as the first container vessel powered by low-carbon methanol fuel to cross the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant milestone in the shipping industry's efforts to mitigate its climate impact.However, upon arriving at the Port of Los Angeles from China last week, the 1,148-foot (350-metre) vessel faced a challenge: there were no available sources of green fuel in the US, necessitating a reliance on petroleum-based maritime fuel for its return journey.During a day-long ship naming event, representatives from AP Moller-Maersk highlighted the urgent need for more affordable green fuel to enable the industry, which contributes nearly 3 per cent of global greenhouse gases, to decarbonize at the required rate to combat climate change, as advised by scientists and world governments.Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that we're on a clock. Maersk is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and has positioned itself as a leader in the energy transition within its sector, with five green methanol ships already operational and another 20 on order.Despite these advancements, the new vessels represent only a small fraction of Maersk's fleet of 700 owned and chartered ships. The new ships are also dual-fuelled, allowing them to operate on fossil fuels when green methanol is too costly or unavailable.Green methanol, which can be produced from agricultural and food waste or through carbon dioxide and hydrogen using renewable electricity, currently costs two to three times more than fossil fuels. Maersk representatives noted that global production of green methanol is still very limited. However, China's Goldwind has committed to supplying green methanol for the first of Maersk's 12 large ocean-going vessels scheduled to use this fuel, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Patel Engineering Secures Two Projects Worth Rs 20.37 Billion

Patel Engineering Ltd has secured two important infrastructure projects valued at Rs 20.37 billion. The company received an order from the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) for dam construction and associated works in Maharashtra. The project will be executed over a period of 42 months. Another project, awarded by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCO), involves the development of a 240 MW hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. The project scope includes civil construction, testing, commissioning, and installation of hydro-mechanical e..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

M B Patil Seeks Centre’s Support For Karnataka’s Industrial Growth

Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil has urged the central government to support the state in strengthening freight corridors and logistic infrastructure. He was speaking at a round table on ‘Focussing on the Steel Sector in the State of Karnataka’ during the 6th edition of India Steel-25, an International Conference-cum-Exhibition organised by the Ministry of Steel. Patil highlighted Karnataka’s contribution of 15 per cent to India’s steel production and the efforts by the state government to promote cluster-based development, integrated industrial corrido..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

EdgePoint Towers Launches First Solar Hybrid Telecommunications Site

EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, part of EdgePoint Infrastructure, has launched its first solar hybrid site in Malaysia, advancing renewable energy integration in the telecommunications sector. The deployment marks a major step towards sustainable energy solutions, providing up to 100 per cent of the energy required to operate telecommunications equipment. The site, with a 5.9-kilowatt peak (kWp) capacity, operates autonomously using photovoltaic energy supported by battery storage. This hybrid system significantly reduces dependence on diesel fuel, aiming to cut annual carbon emissions by around 78..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?