Unifeeder opts for two additional methanol-powered boxships

Danish short sea operator Unifeeder has confirmed a long-term charter agreement for two additional methanol-powered containerships, following a deal signed in October 2023 for two initial methanol-capable vessels.

The latest agreement is in partnership with German-based shipowner Elbdeich Reederei and Norwegian shipowner MPC Container Ships (MPCC), who are responsible for one vessel each. The 1,250 TEU vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2026, will be deployed on Unifeeder’s European network.

The agreement for the first two feeders was signed in October last year. In parallel with the delivery of the methanol-capable vessels, Unifeeder plans to improve the fuel efficiency of the entire fleet deployed and increase the use of biofuels on the conventional vessels in the fleet.

“Building upon our commitment to methanol-powered vessels last year, this marks another significant stride towards the green transformation of our fleet and operations. We anticipate the vessels to enter into operation in the next two years, advancing our steadfast commitment to sustainable solutions. We offer our customers alternatives that align with their sustainability journeys while making meaningful progress towards our own ambitious decarbonisation goals,” Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO of Unifeeder Group, said.

Unifeeder has committed to a 25 per cent reduction of emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050 with no new fossil greenhouse gas emissions. The firm aims to achieve this by emphasizing fuel-efficient practices, and regular maintenance and refitting processes of the existing fleet.

Unifeeder Group is part of DP World Marine Services, which announced in December 2023 that the group had reduced its carbon footprint by more than 16% in 2023 from its 2019 baseline of 2,118 ktCO2e by creating efficiencies across its operations.

DP World also joined the First Movers Coalition, setting a target for 5% of its marine power to come from zero-emissions fuels by 2030, marking its commitment to decarbonization.