Maersk names new dual-fuel methanol containership in India

Danish shipping and logistics giant Maersk has revealed the name of its latest methanol dual-fuel container vessel.

The vessel was named Albert Maersk during a ceremony in Mumbai on February 28 as part of its maiden voyage to India.

Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, Albert Maersk is part of a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. The vessel with 16,592 TEU capacity is the eleventh unit in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on methanol.

Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, commented on the event: “It is a privilege for India to host the naming of this advanced dual-fuel vessel, a historic first for a foreign shipping company in our country. 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.

“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. This vessel naming is more than just a tradition—it is a symbol of trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. As India moves towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse, we welcome Maersk’s continued partnership in green shipping, green fuel production, and logistics.”

Maersk’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 350,000 square meters, and a distribution network that reaches more than 80% of India’s pin codes.

On the backdrop of the name-giving ceremony, the shipping giant announced it sees an investment opportunity pipeline of about $5 billion in ports and terminals as well as landside infrastructure development in India.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk, said: “Maersk continues to take firm steps towards decarbonising shipping with the addition of one more dual-fuel vessel to its fleet. 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.”

The delivery of the dual-fuel fleet is considered a significant component of Maersk’s decarbonization goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040.

The company has been urging the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states to adopt strong regulations to push the industry forward towards its climate targets, believing it is “critically important” that IMO regulation is fuel-agnostic, allowing for a multi-fuel future for shipping as well as making the low-emission transport choice viable and competitive by closing the price gap between fossil and alternative fuels.

In line with the decarbonization agenda, Maersk recently concluded agreements with two Chinese and one South Korean shipyard for the construction of 20 container vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines. The newly ordered ships will all be equipped with liquefied gas dual-fuel propulsion systems and vary in size from 9,000 to 17,000 TEU, with deliveries scheduled to end in 2030.