Danish ocean carrier Maersk named its newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel in Mumbai, India on 28 February. The vessel, named Albert Maersk, is the eleventh ship in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on methanol.
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 boxship can carry 16,592 TEUs.
Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk, hosted the name-giving ceremony, which was attended by India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, diplomats, government authorities, customers, partners and Maersk employees.
“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,” stated Sarbananda Sonowal. “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.”
Vincent Clerc commented: “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 contributes to the Indian economy by facilitating the movement of one in every six containers imported or exported from the country and enabling global trade through its integrated logistics solutions. The company’s footprint in India includes two APM Terminals operations in Mumbai and Pipavav that facilitate the import and export of over three million containers every year, 26 warehouses spread across 350,000m², and a distribution network that reaches more than 80% of India’s pin codes.
On the backdrop of the name-giving ceremony, Maersk unveiled investment plans of approximately US$5 billion in Indian ports and terminals as well as landside infrastructure development.
