Praneet Thakar
Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller Maersk has recently added a new vessel to its fleet, the Antonia Maersk, which is the third in a series of large dual-fuel methanol-enabled container ships. The vessel was officially christened on August 9, 2024, in Aarhus, Denmark, with the ceremony conducted by Kirsten Andersen, the spouse of Vestas CEO Henrik Andersen. This new addition marks a significant step in Maersk’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices.
The Antonia Maersk is one of 18 new buildings designed to run on green methanol, a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels. Scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025, these vessels represent a major investment in reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry.
The vessel is 350 meters long and has a capacity of 16,000 TEU, showcasing both advanced technology and significant cargo capacity.
The ship was constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, and features a dual-fuel engine developed by MAN Energy Solutions.
This engine allows the vessel to operate efficiently using methanol, highlighting Maersk’s efforts to lead in environmentally friendly maritime technology. The innovative design of these vessels includes placing the bridge and accommodation at the front, which enhances fuel efficiency.
Maersk’s commitment to green methanol began earlier this year with the christening of its first large methanol-enabled vessel, Ane Maersk, followed by the Astrid Maersk in April. The company plans to introduce its next methanol-enabled containership at the Port of Los Angeles Outer Harbor on August 27, 2024, with Nike set to perform the christening.
By the end of the decade, Maersk aims to have 25 vessels operating on green methanol, a move that is expected to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2.75 million tons annually. This ambitious goal underscores Maersk’s dedication to sustainability and its role in advancing the shipping industry’s transition to greener technologies.
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