In recent weeks, shipping lines have announced significant progress in the completion of eco-friendly vessels, specifically methanol-powered ones. At least two of the world’s leading shipping lines – OOCL and Maersk – have provided updates on the construction and anticipated deployment of these vessels.
Seven out of the total 12 eco-friendly vessels, each with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs, have been completed by OOCL and are ready for service. The latest addition to OOCL’s fleet, named “OOCL Valencia,” was unveiled in a ceremony at the Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard. This vessel, the seventh in a series of twelve eco-friendly 24,188 TEU vessels ordered by OOCL, will be the first to serve OOCL’s Asia-Europe LL1 service in 2024. For OOCL, these new vessels signify a response to future challenges and a commitment to providing customers with better and greener end-to-end integrated logistics and supply chain solutions. This initiative contributes to the group’s aspiration to become a world-leading shipping technology enterprise.
Maersk has also reported progress on its 18 methanol-powered mother vessels. “Ane Mærsk” is the first of Maersk’s 18 large methanol-enabled vessels, which are scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. It represents the world’s second methanol-enabled container vessel. In early February, it will begin service on the AE7 route connecting Asia and Europe, marking a significant milestone in the company’s dedication to pioneering low-emission shipping solutions. These vessels feature an innovative design placing the bridge and accommodation at the very front of the vessel, ensuring fuel-efficient operations.
Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk, stated, “This series of vessels will have a transformative impact on our ambition to progress on our industry-leading climate ambitions. It is a visual and operational proof of our commitment to a more sustainable industry. With ‘Ane Mærsk’ and her sister vessels, we are expanding our offer to the growing number of businesses aiming to reduce emissions from their supply chains.”
The actions of shipping lines such as OOCL and Maersk reflect the direction the shipping industry is heading in the future. Green initiatives will continue to gain traction, with eco-friendly, methanol-powered vessels becoming the dominant carriers. Other players in the industry are expected to take note and formulate strategies to invest in building similar eco-friendly vessels to support the future of green shipping.
Buy & Read ISG February 2024: https://sociabuzz.com/isgct/p/isg-february-2024
