Maersk Names Fifth Methanol-Powered Containership, Alexandra Maersk
Today, Maersk celebrated the naming of its latest dual-fuel methanol container ship, the Alexandra Maersk, at the Port of Felixstowe, England. This 16,000 TEU vessel is the fifth large methanol-powered ship in Maersk’s fleet and the sixth dual-fuel ship introduced in the past 13 months.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the naming ceremony for the Alexandra Maersk – one of the first container vessels running on green methanol,” said Mike Kane, the UK’s Maritime Minister. “This innovation is crucial for a greener, cleaner maritime sector that benefits both people and the planet.”
The Alexandra Maersk joins her sister ships, starting with Ane Maersk, named in January in Korea, followed by Astrid Maersk in April, and Antonia Maersk and Alette Maersk in August. Continuing the tradition of naming ships after the founding family, Alexandra Maersk is named after Alexandra Mærsk-Møller (1868-1953), the older sister of Maersk’s founder, A.P. Møller.
These methanol-enabled vessels are central to Maersk’s decarbonization strategy, as low-emission methanol can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 65 to 90 percent compared to conventional fossil fuels. However, the exact reduction depends on the feedstock and production process of the methanol, assessed on a life cycle basis. Maersk continues to face challenges in developing a reliable methanol supply to fuel its growing fleet.
The Alexandra Maersk is part of the first wave of methanol vessels ordered from HD Hyundai in South Korea. Maersk initially ordered 12 vessels, each with 16,000 TEU capacity, and later expanded the order with six additional ships of 17,000 TEU. The company also ordered six smaller 9,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel vessels.
These new vessels are also contributing to the development of methanol bunkering. Last month, the Alette Maersk made a call at the Port of Yokohama for Japan’s first methanol bunkering simulation, in collaboration with Kokuka Sangyo’s methanol tanker, Eikamaru. The demonstration tested critical operations like berthing, unberthing, and hose connections, as Japan develops its methanol fuel bunkering guidelines.
While Maersk is prioritizing methanol-fueled ships, the company noted that its fleet renewal program would include various fuel types. Maersk also cited delays and costs in scaling up the methanol supply. Additionally, Maersk is securing offtake agreements for bio-LNG to ensure its new dual-fuel gas vessels meet GHG reduction targets this decade.
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