Maersk Unveils World's First Methanol-Powered Ship

The world's first container ship powered by methanol will be named the "Laura Maersk," announced Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, during a christening ceremony at the Port of Copenhagen, as she smashed a champagne bottle against its hull.

This news comes via the company's official website.

In addition to the ship's godmother, the event featured speeches by Maersk Chair Robert Uggla and Maersk Chief Executive Officer Vincent Clerc.

"Laura Maersk marks a historic milestone for global shipping. It exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined Maersk since its inception. More importantly, it represents a tangible testament to what can be achieved when our industry comes together through concerted efforts and partnerships to pave the way for a sustainable future. This new green vessel is the breakthrough that our company needed, but we still have a long journey ahead of us before we achieve zero emissions," said Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk.

"Laura" holds a special place in Maersk's history, as it is deeply rooted in some of the company's earliest innovations. When Captain Peter Maersk Moller purchased his first steamship in 1886, he named it "Laura." Thanks to its steam engine, "Laura" became a product of the second industrial revolution, leaving a significant impact on the shipping industry.

Moreover, "Laura" was the first vessel to bear the white seven-pointed star on a light-blue background, which later became the logo of AP Moller - Maersk.

Maersk has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and aims to transport a minimum of 25% of its ocean cargo using clean fuels by 2030. The 2,100 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) feeder vessel represents a crucial step toward the eventual complete transition of Maersk's fleet to operate exclusively on environmentally friendly fuels. Maersk has ordered an additional 24 methanol-capable vessels for delivery between 2024 and 2027, with a policy of purchasing only newbuilds equipped with the option of green fuel.

AP Moller – Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify the supply chains of its customers. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs over 100,000 people. It owns a network of 57 ports and container terminals in 36 countries worldwide, across five continents, typically in partnership with port authorities. Maersk also owns a fleet of some of the world's largest container ships. Maersk aims to achieve zero emissions across its entire business by 2040 through the use of new technologies, new vessels, and eco-friendly fuels.