Maritime News : Felixstowe, 9 October 2024 – A.P. Moller – Maersk celebrated the naming of its latest dual-fuel methanol container vessel, “Alexandra Maersk,” in a ceremony held at the Port of Felixstowe, UK. The event was attended by UK’s Maritime Minister Mike Kane, representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), customers, and Maersk employees. The ship’s godmother, Elaine Condon, Director of People & Culture at Primark, symbolizes the strong logistics and sustainability partnership between Maersk and Primark.
“Alexandra Maersk” is the sixth vessel in Maersk’s fleet designed to operate on methanol in both its main and auxiliary engines. It is part of a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025, each capable of carrying over 16,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
Key Statements:
- Mike Kane, UK’s Maritime Minister: Emphasized the importance of innovation in creating a greener maritime sector. He stated, “This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to deliver a greener, cleaner maritime sector which is better for people and for our planet.”
- Paul Marchant, CEO of Primark: Highlighted Primark’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, noting the introduction of green fuel alternatives in their shipping processes, which aligns with their goal to halve carbon emissions by 2030.
- Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk: Stressed the need for collective efforts to decarbonize ocean transport, urging the IMO to help bridge the price gap between green and fossil fuels. He noted, “True progress in the green transformation requires collective effort.”
Maersk’s ECO Delivery Ocean service incorporates reduced greenhouse gas emission fuels, including bio-diesel and now green methanol, to support decarbonization efforts. The new methanol-enabled ships are central to Maersk’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with low-emission methanol capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% to 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Continuing its tradition of naming vessels after family members, “Alexandra Maersk” is named after Alexandra Mærsk-Møller, the sister of A.P. Møller, the company’s founder. This naming reflects the company’s legacy and commitment to sustainable shipping practices.
