Maersk Launches First Bio-Methanol-Powered Cargo Ship in Decarbonization Push

Maersk has launched its first bio-methanol-powered container ship as part of its fast-track decarbonization strategy. The shipping industry is responsible for producing emissions equivalent to the airline industry, and Maersk is experimenting with several ways to reduce its carbon footprint, including the use of methanol gas, ammonia, and hydrogen. The new ship is powered by green methanol, a combustible gas collected from decomposing plant waste that can reduce CO2 emissions and equivalents from a container ship by as much as 70%. Though the cost of these fuels is significantly higher than conventional fuel, the massive cargo capacity of these ships means that the related cost increase for individual goods is minimal. Maersk has already placed an order for 25 more methanol-powered vessels and plans to retrofit existing ships with methanol engines and turbines. By the end of the decade, the company aims to have low-carbon fuels transport a quarter of all tonnage across its 700-strong fleet. The launch of this bio-methanol-powered cargo ship marks a significant milestone in the decarbonization of merchant shipping and sets a precedent for other shipping companies to follow suit in reducing their carbon footprint.