Tue 13 Jun 2023, 11:10 GMT

Maersk procures fuel for world's first methanol-enabled boxship


Deal signed with OCI Global for 21,500 km maiden voyage.


Graphic summarizing Maersk's deal with OCI Global to secure methanol for the maiden voyage of the world's first methanol-enabled container vessel.
Image credit: Maersk

Maersk has signed a deal with Dutch producer OCI Global to secure methanol for the maiden voyage of the world's first methanol-enabled container vessel.

The 21,500 km trip from Ulsan, South Korea to Copenhagen, Denmark will provide real operational experience for Maersk seafarers handling the new engines and using methanol as fuel, as the company prepares to receive a fleet of new, large ocean-going methanol-enabled ships.

OCI produces its methanol at a US-based facility by using captured biogas from decomposing organic waste in landfills.

The biogas is upgraded to biomethane and injected into the gas grid. The methanol is then produced from the biomethane in the grid on a mass-balance basis — thus using existing infrastructure and facilitating rapid production.

Maersk notes that this production method can contribute to a greener gas grid while capturing harmful methane emissions that would arise from waste feedstock if left untouched.

Additionally, OCI's methanol is certified by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) in accordance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive.

Maersk has set itself the target of transporting a minimum of 25% of its Ocean division cargo using green fuels by 2030, compared to a 2020 baseline.

Back in August 2021, it ordered the first in a series of eight large container vessels capable of operating on methanol — a key step towards the long-term objective of gradually renewing the entire fleet to operate solely on green fuels. The ship is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2024.

Morten Bo Christiansen, Maersk's Head of Energy Transition, commented: "The green methanol market is still in its infancy and frankly we had not expected to be able to secure a maiden voyage on green methanol for this vessel. So, we are very proud to have achieved this significant milestone. We expect a diverse green fuel mix for the future, with green bio-methanol from biomass waste being available now."



Bermuda Container Line (BCL) logo. Bermuda Container Line imposes emergency bunker surcharge citing Iran War fuel price spike  

Shipping operator to add $150 per TEU charge from 1 May amid geopolitical fuel cost pressures.

China flag. Zhejiang’s first methanol-powered container ship launches in Jiaxing  

Vessel uses methanol propulsion technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90%.

TES flag with a model vessel in the background. TES joins SEA-LNG coalition to advance e-methane as marine fuel  

Green energy company targets 1m tonnes annual e-methane production by 2030 for shipping decarbonisation.

Ethanol and methanol workshop graphic. IBIA to host workshop on ethanol and methanol marine fuels during Singapore Maritime Week  

Half-day event will examine alcohol-based fuel pathways and integration into shipping’s multi-fuel landscape.

Steel-cutting ceremony for 13,000-dwt vessel. ROC begins construction of second chemical tanker for Essberger  

Chinese shipbuilder holds steel-cutting ceremony for 13,000-dwt methanol-ready vessel with ice class capability.

Norsepower and CHIC sign agreement. Norsepower and Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry Equipment sign wind propulsion cooperation agreement  

Wind propulsion technology provider partners with Chinese shipyard to scale rotor sail production.

Wärtsilä logo. Shipping firms struggle to prioritise decarbonisation investments amid regulatory uncertainty, Wärtsilä survey finds  

Survey of 225 maritime executives reveals 70% say uncertainty hinders investment decisions despite regulatory pressure.

IMT Isca G-Flex vessel render. Longitude Engineering unveils IMT Isca G-Flex PSV design with alternative fuel capability  

Naval architecture firm launches adaptable platform support vessel design based on the IMT-984 G-Class hull.

Philippos Ioulianou, EmissionLink. Shore power infrastructure is key to cutting ferry emissions in European cities, says EmissionLink  

Port electrification is needed to enable vessels to switch off engines at berth, reducing urban pollution.

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore logo. Singapore prioritises maritime resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty, eyes digitalisation and green fuels  

MPA chief outlines the sector’s adaptation to supply chain disruptions while advancing automation and alternative fuels.