In 2023, A.P. Moller Maersk made significant strides in sustainable shipping by transporting over 660,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) using green fuels.
This marks a substantial increase from the 480,000 TEUs transported in this manner in 2022.
This effort resulted in saving more than 680,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere.
The company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is evident in its continued investment in green technologies and its collaboration with Amazon to transport 20,000 forty-foot equivalent units (FFE) containers using biofuel, contributing to a reduction of approximately 44,600 metric tons of CO2e.
Pioneering Green Methanol Vessels
Maersk has been at the forefront of the transition to greener shipping solutions. The Laura Maersk is recognized as the world’s first large container ship to be fully powered by green methanol.
Building on this innovation, Maersk has ordered eight additional methanol-powered vessels with a larger capacity of 17,200 TEU, showcasing the company’s dedication to a greener fleet.
These vessels are part of a broader industry trend, with other major shipping companies like MSC, CMA CGM, and Evergreen Marine Corp also investing in methanol-powered and ammonia-powered vessels.
Collaborative Efforts and Technological Innovations
The shipping industry’s move towards sustainability is not limited to Maersk.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) are developing the world’s first ammonia-fueled large container ship, expected to be operational by 2026.
Additionally, GoodFuels has successfully demonstrated biofuel technology on a smaller vessel, indicating the potential for wider application.
Other innovative solutions being explored include wind-assisted propulsion and hydrogen fuel cells, which could further revolutionize the industry.
Maersk and Amazon’s Eco-Friendly Partnership
Maersk’s partnership with Amazon through the “ECO Delivery” ocean product offering is a testament to both companies’ commitment to environmental responsibility.
This collaboration, now in its fourth year, has expanded to include green methanol as a second green fuel option, alongside biodiesel.
Maersk’s definition of ‘green fuels’ encompasses those with low to very low greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle compared to traditional fossil fuels.
In Conclusion
Maersk’s efforts in 2023 to increase the use of green fuels in container transport represent a significant step towards a more sustainable shipping industry.
By pioneering the use of methanol-powered vessels and collaborating with like-minded companies such as Amazon, Maersk is leading by example and setting a precedent for others to follow.
As the industry continues to innovate and invest in green technologies, we can expect to see further advancements in the years to come.
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